The Problem of Psychonomic Harmony

ABSTRACT

The problem of nomological harmony is the problem of explaining why the laws of nature match or apply to the states of the universe in a way that results in temporal evolution. The problem of psychophysical harmony is the problem of explaining why phenomenal states are paired with physical states and other phenomenal states in surprisingly fortunate ways. Combining elements of both problems, I develop the problem of psychonomic harmony: Why do the psychophysical principles or laws match the states of the universe in a way that results in conscious experiences? Candidate solutions co‐opt the solutions to the problems of nomological and psychophysical harmony, but new and interesting challenges face several of those solutions.