Explaining Beliefs: Lynne Rudder Baker and Her Critics

Anthonie Meijers

The philosophy of mind has long been dominated by the view that mental states are identical with, constituted by, or grounded in brain states. Lynne Rudder Baker has been a persistent critic of this view. She defends an alternative account based on the idea of mental states as attitudes of persons, which are manifest in what they say, think or do. Her theory of mental states is part of a larger metaphysical outlook called Practical Realism. This volume is the first critical book-length evaluation of her views and criticism; leading philosophers answer her challenges and explore the consequences of Practical Realism, and Baker herself provides thoughtful replies to elaborate her own position.

11/1/2001

ISBN (Paperback): 1575863502

ISBN (Cloth): 1575863510

Subject: Lynne Rudder Baker; Belief and doubt; Philosophy of mind