EVOLUTION AND EPIPHENOMENALISM

Abstract

__________ Abstract: This paper addresses the question whether accepting evolutionary principles is compatible with accepting epiphenomenalism, and argues for an affirmative answer. A general summary of epiphenomenalism is provided, along with certain specifications relevant to the issues of this paper. The central argument against compatability is stated and rebutted. A specially powerful version of the argument, due to William James (1890) is stated. The apparent power of this argument is explained as resulting from a problem about our understanding of pleasure and an equivocation on “explanation”. Finally, an argument by Plantinga (2004), which applies to cognition rather than phenomenal qualities, is stated and rebutted. __________

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