The Knowledge Argument

Mary in captivity

• Mary is raised from birth in the Black & White (and grey) room.

• Her skin pigments are altered, her hair dyed black (or white, or grey)

Mary in Captivity

• She has had no experiences of colors whatsoever…poor Mary!

Mary’s Education

• However, Mary has been given a first-rate scientific education through lectures transmitted via TV…Black & White of course!

Clip

Mary’s Education

• She has become the leading expert in the science of color and color vision, learning everything physical there is to learn about her subject.

Mary’s Escape!

• One glorious day, Mary escapes out into the world of color...

The Question...

• What will happen when Mary sees red for the first time?

• Will she learn something new?

The Answer?

• She does learn something new, namely what it is like to see red.

The problem for materialism

• Remember, Mary knew everything physical there was to know about color and color vision before her escape

The problem for materialism

• So, if she does learn something new, this new something is nonphysical, and therefore, materialism is false!

1st Reply

• Refuse to admit that Mary learns something new!

2nd Reply

• The ability reply: Mary gains know-how, not knowledge of facts

3rd Reply

• The mode-of-presentation reply: Mary learns an old fact in a new way.

4th Reply

• Deny that it is possible for Mary to learn all of the physical facts about color and color vision while locked in the Black & White room.