epiphenomenalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialized Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “epiphenomenalism” mean?
The philosophical theory that mental states are by-products (epiphenomena) of physical brain processes and have no causal influence on physical events.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical theory that mental states are by-products (epiphenomena) of physical brain processes and have no causal influence on physical events.
In broader contexts, it can refer to any theory where one phenomenon is a secondary effect of another primary process and lacks its own causal power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage difference. Pronunciation may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in philosophy and related fields.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside academic philosophy departments in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “epiphenomenalism” in a Sentence
[Subject] argues for/against epiphenomenalism.[Subject] is a form/version of epiphenomenalism.Epiphenomenalism holds/claims that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epiphenomenalism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The epiphenomenalist position is difficult to reconcile with our intuition of free will.
American English
- She presented an epiphenomenalist argument against mental causation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced philosophy, cognitive science, and consciousness studies seminars and publications.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in specific debates on the causal efficacy of consciousness and qualia.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epiphenomenalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epiphenomenalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epiphenomenalism”
- Misspelling as 'epiphenominalism' or 'epiphenomenology'.
- Confusing it with 'phenomenalism' (a different theory about perception).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'side-effect'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a type of property dualism. It accepts mental properties as distinct from physical ones but denies they have physical effects.
The intuitive argument from mental causation: we feel our thoughts, desires, and pains cause our actions. Epiphenomenalism denies this, which seems counterintuitive.
Thomas Huxley, who compared mental states to the steam whistle on a locomotive – it accompanies the work but doesn't drive it.
Not in standard forms. Materialism typically asserts that mental states are identical to brain states and thus share their causal powers. Epiphenomenalism treats them as distinct, non-causal by-products.
The philosophical theory that mental states are by-products (epiphenomena) of physical brain processes and have no causal influence on physical events.
Epiphenomenalism is usually specialized academic / technical in register.
Epiphenomenalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪfɪˈnɒmɪnəlɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪfɪˈnɑːmənəlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EPI (upon) + PHENOMENON (appearance) + ALISM (theory). It's the theory that mind is an 'upon-appearance' of the brain.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE (the brain is the engine doing the work; mental smoke is a visible but causally inert by-product).
Practice
Quiz
Epiphenomenalism is primarily a theory in which field?