This chapter examines the consequences of post-reductionist philosophy of science for nonreductive physicalism. Nonreductive physicalism is compatible with explanatory pluralism in philosophy of science. However, upon closer examination, the demise of reductionism leaves us with no convincing argument for physicalism. Nonreductive physicalism is attractive as a fallback position for disillusioned reductionists—that is, assuming one is already committed to physicalism. But without reductions, there is no convincing reason to become a physicalist—that is, to assume that mind-body relations are metaphysically necessary.
Keywords: nonreductive physicalism, necessity, Mysterianism, emergence, Davidson