Name: Defending Phenomenological Theories of Pleasure from the Isolability Requirement
Start: 2026-07-08T15:00:00+1200
End: 2026-07-08T15:55:00+1200

Defending Phenomenological Theories of Pleasure from the Isolability Requirement

Wednesday July 8, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm NZST

MSB1.05

Phenomenological theories of pleasure, according to which pleasures are constituted by a common phenomenal quality, face the seemingly intractable heterogeneity problem: that pleasures feel too phenomenally heterogeneous to be constituted by a common phenomenal quality. First, I argue that the heterogeneity problem is forceful mainly due to the isolatability requirement, according to which the pleasure-making quality, if phenomenal, must also be isolatable. Second, I argue that we should reject the isolatability requirement as it assumes that the pleasure-making quality is sufficiently sensation-like. Third, I argue that phenomenological theories, of both the distinctive feeling and hedonic tone kinds, have the resources necessary to reject the isolatability requirement. Finally, I conclude that without the isolatability requirement, the heterogeneity problem loses much of its force against phenomenological theories, and phenomenological theories become as plausible, if not more plausible than its chief rival, attitudinal theories.

Speakers

Jolly Cheong

Masters Research Scholar, National University of Singapore

Hi, I’m Jolly! My primary research concerns the nature of pleasure. I’m currently working on defending a commonsensical view of pleasure’s nature, phenomenological theories of pleasure, according to which pleasure is essentially a feeling. I’ll be presenting this research... Read More →

Wednesday July 8, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm NZST
MSB1.05

Philosophy of Mind, In Person

AAP 2026 CONFERENCE

Jolly Cheong

Attendees (7)

Get help with the event

AAP 2026 CONFERENCE

Jolly Cheong

Attendees (7)

Log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Get help with the event