In general, holism about A is the view that A is not independently individuated, but is individuated in a network of other objects belonging to a whole. In the philosophy of mind, holism is mainly adopted as to intentional states, not phenomenal states such as sensations. Here the problem is whether phenomenal states individuate independently or in relations with one another. First we will consider different versions of the problem based on its different aspects; does the holistic relation obtain between various phenomenal types or their tokens, between synchronic phenomenal states or diachronic ones, and is it a sort of individuation or covariation. Furthermore, is this relation necessary or contingent, and is it inclusive or is restricted to some phenomenal states. In the end, we will consider the argument from the “unity of consciousness” in favor of phenomenal holism.
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