Metaphysical possibility is a slightly stronger version of logical possibility (although there is some debate about the exact relation.) For example, it is metaphysically possible for information to be transmitted faster than the speed of light.
There is a stronger version of possibility: nomological possibility, which means something like "possible under the laws of nature". It is nomologically impossible for information to be transmitted faster than the speed of light.
In the context of the philosophy of mind, this question is about whether or not it's possible (in some metaphysically possible world) for there to be fully functioning humans, but minus experience. If so, then experience is a true explanandum.
See [1] for an account of these modal truth states, [2] for an account of philosophical zombies.
There is a stronger version of possibility: nomological possibility, which means something like "possible under the laws of nature". It is nomologically impossible for information to be transmitted faster than the speed of light.
In the context of the philosophy of mind, this question is about whether or not it's possible (in some metaphysically possible world) for there to be fully functioning humans, but minus experience. If so, then experience is a true explanandum.
See [1] for an account of these modal truth states, [2] for an account of philosophical zombies.
[1] http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/modality-epistemology/
[2] http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/zombies/