Philosophy A-Level
Multiple Realizability
What Multiple Realizability means in Philosophy A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Multiple Realizability
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The thesis that the same mental state (e.g., pain) can be implemented by different physical substrates or systems.
The property by which a single mental state can be implemented by various different physical systems.
Topics that use Multiple Realizability
- Metaphysics of mind (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Category Mistake
- Eliminative Materialism
- Epiphenomenalism
- Folk Psychology
- Functionalism
- Leibniz's Law
- Non-reductive Physicalism
- Property Dualism
Using Multiple Realizability in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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