Identity Theory is a philosophical concept that suggests mental states are identical to physical states in the brain. According to this theory, every thought, feeling, or experience corresponds directly to a specific neurological process. This means that when we think or feel something, there is a particular brain activity that can be observed and measured.
The theory emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to dualism, which posits that the mind and body are separate entities. Proponents of Identity Theory argue that understanding the brain's physical processes can lead to a better understanding of consciousness and mental phenomena, bridging the gap between philosophy and neuroscience.