In the paper, Gertler defends naturalistic dualism. Physicalists believe that pain is a direct connection to the c-fibers stimulation, and a human can’t feel and experience pain without the stimulation of c-fibers. Gertler argues that identity thesis is false and her main point is to prove that there is fallacious in physicalism. She gives her premises to give a valid argument to show that even though there is an absence in a physical property, pain can still occur in that physical state. Gertler along with other dualist deny that the identity thesis is true. Dualists believe and work to prove that mental states are not identical to but are distinguished from the physical properties.
Gertler states in the paper that “pain has no hidden essence”.
