PsychologyAugust 30, 2026

eliminativism

ih-LIM-in-uh-tiv-iz-um

Definition

A philosophical position arguing that certain common-sense mental concepts, such as beliefs or desires, do not actually exist and should be replaced by neuroscience.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'eliminare,' meaning 'to turn out of doors' or 'to exclude,' the term combines this root with the suffix '-ism' to denote a specific theory or system of thought.

In the news

The article critiques eliminativism as an attempt to deny the existence of the mind, arguing that this viewpoint creates false problems regarding how the mind and body interact.

The Mind–Body “Interaction Problem” Is Desperately Overhyped

Read the full article ↗

Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence

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