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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Philosophy and Phenomenological Research
Published
2026-08-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/phpr.70153
Primary Topic
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

The Problem of Psychonomic Harmony

Joseph C. Schmid
Philosophy and Phenomenological Research
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
article

The Problem of Psychonomic Harmony

Joseph C. Schmid
article en

Abstract

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.

Philosophy and Phenomenological Research
Princeton University (US)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
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