A Materialist Theory of the Mind

This influential work, A Materialist Theory of the Mind, argues that mental states are entirely physical, reshaping philosophical discourse on the mind.

D. M. Armstrong's A Materialist Theory of the Mind is a significant contribution to the philosophy of mind, first published in 1968. This work is often credited with initiating the physicalist revolution, which asserts that mental states are fundamentally physical states of the brain. Armstrong's arguments have been the subject of extensive debate and analysis, highlighting the book's enduring relevance in philosophical discussions. A new Foreword by Peter Anstey provides valuable insights into the historical and philosophical context of Armstrong's ideas, enhancing the reader's understanding of the material presented.

The book explores a wide array of topics, including behaviorism, the nature of will and knowledge, and the complexities of perception and bodily sensations. Armstrong posits that mental states serve as a crucial link between external stimuli, internal mental processes, and observable behaviors. Through various illustrative examples, such as the experience of pain, he elucidates how these mental states interact with our physical reality.

In this Routledge Classics edition, readers are offered a fresh perspective on Armstrong's arguments, thanks to Anstey's Foreword. By situating A Materialist Theory of the Mind within a broader philosophical framework, it invites both newcomers and seasoned scholars to engage with its core concepts and implications, ensuring that its legacy continues to provoke thought and discussion in contemporary philosophy.