Physicalism, unity of science and the foundations of psychology

pp. 302-341

in: Herbert Feigl, Inquiries and provocations, Berlin, Springer, 1981

Abstract

The present essay attempts to analyze the meaning and to appraise the validity of the various theses of physicalism. Since I have had the privilege of discussing these issues with Carnap intensively and extensively on many occasions ever since 1926, I shall only rather briefly deal with some of his earlier views of this matter, and dwell more fully on recent modifications in his outlook — most of which do not exist in published form but are known to me from personal conversations. One of the purposes of the following observations then is to invite Carnap to react critically to my own suggestions and formulations on several basic points.