How do you know that your significant other is not a zombie who lacks all mental or mind states?

Answer 1

Assuming philosophical zombies really do exist (I'm a bit undecided on that point):

Given logical reasons and time to consider them, my wife changes her philosophical systems to meet the demands of the reasons. She does the same when new evidence comes her way. She has done so, in the time I've known her, to the extent that her religious, political, economic, and sociocultural beliefs have abolutely reversed, and many others have been swayed. A philosophical zombie would necessarily lack such thorough skills of integration.

She and I are both very interesting in exploring systems and dynamics, including exploring new avenues of how people think about new evidence and how ideas are structured. She has shown great creativity in combining our thoughts together to open up new paths of exploration. A philosophical zombie could do the same, but could not do it habitually; or, would not realize the full value of what she had done.

Answer 2

How does your significant other know that YOU are not a zombie who lacks all mental or mind states?

Both of you know this because you have intent, goals, and aspirations ... and sometimes these are in conflict...

A mindless zombie does not have multiple goals... and so would not have conflicts with others...

Answer 3

Well, wikipedia defines "zombie" as a human body devoid of a soul. So in a practical sense, if you know the person is dead physically but continues to, you know, walk the earth, then you might want to follow the links below to determine the zombification factor.

Answer 4

Because I don't have a significant other.

Answer 5

Observing their behavior even casually would/should probably give you a clue? :))

Answer 6

How do you know he's not ?