PHI-103-RS-T5-What is Mind

docx

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

103

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by CoachWater23141

1 What is Mind? Mani Genel Department of Theology, Grand Canyon University PHI 103: Introduction Philosophy and Ethics Professor Sherman 6 November 2023

2 Introduction The mind-body problem is a question that has been debated for centuries in the world of philosophy. It asks whether the mind and body are the same thing or separate entities. Over the years, various theories and solutions have been proposed to answer this question. These include type identity, functionalist physicalism or Functionalism, property dualism, and substance dual- ism. Each of these theories offers a unique perspective on the mind-body problem, but substance dualism is the best solution. What is the Mind-Body Problem? The problem of mind and body pertains to the relationship between the mind and physical properties (Robinson, 2020). It raises the question of what constitutes 'I'. The mind is the collec- tive mental state of an individual, including thoughts, beliefs, and more (Sherman [GCU], 2022b, slide 20). Physical properties refer to the body, such as the brain, atoms, and neutrons. The prob- lem arises when we try to understand how the mind and body interact. Consciousness and thought, while mental, seem vastly different from anything physical (Robinson, 2020). Various solutions have been suggested to address the mind-body problem, each attempting to provide a unique perspective. Four Philosophical Solutions The mind-body problem is a complex issue, and various solutions have been offered to explain it. One such theory is the type identity theory, which posits that mental states are identi- cal to physical states (Schneider, n.d). This theory falls under materialistic theories, which sug- gest that things like pain and love can be reduced to atoms and neurons. According to materialis- tic theories, all matter is equal, and every mental phenomenon is just a physical one (Stewart & Blocker, pg. 108). Functionalism is another materialistic solution that suggests that mental states

3 are the result of sensory inputs and behavioral outputs (Philosophy Vibe, 2018b). While func- tionalism does not equate the mind and body, it does view them as physical. This theory suggests that mental states can be reduced to the functional operations of the brain and its causal roles in the human system (Sherman [GCU], 2022b, slide 28). Property dualism is another solution to the mind-body problem, which suggests that physical and mental properties are two different things. According to this theory, there is only one fundamental kind of thing, which is the material substance (Chalmers [RoyIntPhilosophy], 2021). This substance has two parts: mental and physical. Property dualism posits that while the mind and body are different, they are still connected (Sherman [GCU], 2022a). Mental properties cannot be reduced to physical properties, as they are distinct from one another. Substance dual- ism is the last solution and the second half of dualism. This theory suggests that the mind and body are separate and distinct entities (Philosophy Vibe, 2018a). Physical things are just matter, while non-physical things are intangible, such as souls. According to substance dualism, the brain is a physical thing, but the mind is not (Robinson, 2020). Therefore, the mind and brain are not the same thing. In conclusion, the mind-body problem has been addressed by materialistic and dualism theories. The Best Philosophical Solution Substance dualism stands out as the most valid and sensible solution among the theories discussed earlier. This theory establishes that the mind and body are distinct entities. Substance dualism is supported by two valid arguments, namely intentionality and subjectivity. Intentional- ity refers to the mental state of an individual, which transcends the mind itself and is focused on something or someone external to the individual (Sherman [GCU], 2022b, slide 42). For in- stance, a person may think that something is beautiful, but this thought cannot be reduced to any

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 physical properties. This argument demonstrates that the mind is not identical to the body, as the mind experiences thoughts and emotions that are non-physical, while the body and brain are physical (Chalmers [RoyIntPhilosophy], 2021). Subjectivity is another argument that supports substance dualism. It highlights the fact that people have unique experiences that differ from others. People experience things in the first person, meaning that others cannot see what the person is thinking or feeling, and can only per- ceive physical properties such as the body or brain (Sherman [GCU], 2022b, slide 40). This argu- ment clearly shows that our physical existence is objective, and our subjective acceptance of it means that our existence cannot be limited to physicality. Two people can be in the same place, but they may not experience things in the same way since everyone has unique experiences. Although substance dualism may seem like the best solution to the mind-body problem, there is one argument that suggests otherwise: the problem of interaction. This argument raises the question of how the mind interacts with the brain, given that mental operations cause move- ment and movements cause mental operations (Robinson, 2020). It is unclear how the mind and body interact since they are two different entities. However, this is a minor issue, and there is a valid counterargument for it. Mental things cannot be caused by physical properties, and while mental and physical things are separate, they work together in a complementary way (Philosophy Vibe, 2018a). Therefore, the problem of interaction does not provide enough evidence against substance dualism. Substance dualism is also a favorable solution for those who believe in the afterlife. It is one of the few theories that suggest that the soul/mind separates from the body after death, which is a belief held by many religious people (Chalmers [RoyIntPhilosophy], 2021). While other so- lutions do not account for the afterlife, substance dualism aligns with religious beliefs and can

5 potentially contribute to one's understanding of the afterlife. As a Christian, I believe in the after- life, and substance dualism makes the most sense based on Christian teachings. One verse states that people can go to eternal punishment but the righteous have eternal life (Matthew 46:25). The Bible mentions the afterlife 37 times, implying that people have souls and physical bodies, which aligns with substance dualism. Substance dualism is the most sensible and valid solution to the mind-body problem. It explains how the mind and body are two separate entities that work together in a complementary way. While there may be some minor issues with substance dualism, the valid counterarguments make it a convincing theory. Additionally, substance dualism is favorable for those who believe in the afterlife, as it aligns with religious beliefs. Conclusion The mind-body problem is a philosophical question that seeks to understand the nature of our being. It is a complex issue that has four proposed solutions over the years, categorized into materialism and dualism. After analyzing the theories, it becomes clear that the mind and body must cooperate in some way or the other. Some theories believe that the mind and body are the same, while others believe they are two separate entities. The substance dualism theory asserts that the mind and body are distinct but work together. Therefore, substance dualism proves to be the most valid solution to the mind-body problem.

6 References David Chalmers [ RoyIntPhilosophy]. (2021, November 17). What is Property Dualism? David Chalmers for the Royal Institute of Philosophy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.- com/watch?v=KPquWfODJ9g Philosophy Vibe. (2018a, November 25). Dualism and Solipsism - Philosophy of Mind I [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7ZDJH_ZKLA Philosophy Vibe. (2018b, December 19). Functionalism and John Searle’s Chinese Room Argu- ment - Philosophy of Mind III [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=EW5K1CyegJ0 Robinson, H. (2020). Dualism . The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stan- ford.edu/archives/spr2023/entries/dualism/ Schneider, S. (n.d.). Identity Theory . Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/ identity/ Sherman, S. (2022a). PHI-103 Topic 4 Overview [Topic Overview] . Halo. https://halo.gcu.edu Sherman, S. (2022b). PHI-103 Topic 4 Resource [Class Notes] . Halo. https://halo.gcu.edu Staff, Y. (n.d.). Matthew 25:31-46 . YouVersion | the Bible App | Bible.com. https://www.bible.- com/bible/111/MAT.25.31-46.niv Stewart, D., & Blocker, H. G. (2013). Fundamentals of Philosophy (8th ed.) . Pearson Education.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

PHI-103-RS-T5-What is Mind

Related Documents