What is Mind

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Grand Canyon University *

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Philosophy

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Dec 6, 2023

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1 What is Mind? Grand Canyon University Tahlia Glass Gary Osmundsen 11/5/2023

2 What is Mind? A long-running philosophical discussion centers on the connection between the mind and the body, known as the "mind-body problem." The question in this problem is whether the body and mind are the same thing or two distinct entities. However, defenders of dualism argue that the body and mind are different entities that are capable of existing apart. However, defenders of monism argue that mental activities are reduced to physical processes and that the mind and body are connected. This paper will further discuss the mind-body problem. Understanding the connection between our mental faculties—thoughts, feelings, and consciousness—and our physical bodies is at the heart of the mind-body problem. Similarly, it's like attempting to determine whether they are distinct entities. In the textbook, “dualism faces very serious problems of its own, particularly in trying to explain the obvious interaction between mind and body within ordinary human experience” (Stewart & Blocker, 2013, p.113). While some people consider the mind and body to be two distinct beings, others feel that they are connected. It is a significant question in philosophy and science, with a variety of hypotheses and viewpoints. Because it addresses the nature of our existence and the ways in which our brains create our experiences in the physical world, it's intriguing to investigate and debate. Philosophers are now debating and investigating these theories, which present various accounts of the connection between the mind and body. Firstly, type identity theory. The hypothesis suggests that certain kinds of brain states correspond to mental states. It makes the case that every mental state has a corresponding separate physical state in the brain. According to this hypothesis, there is a direct correlation between the physiological processes occurring in our brains and our thoughts, feelings, and consciousness. The next viewpoint is called functionalist physicalism, and it centers on the mental processes and functions rather than physical conditions.

3 It suggests that mental states are achieved by many physical systems and are managed by their functional responsibilities. According to an article, it states, “the essential nature of your desires and your pains is not to be found in the stuff that your desires are composed of, but rather in the function that each performs” (Anderson, 2003, p.19). The functionalist perspective, for instance, would describe pain as a condition that is characterized by its function in identifying and reacting to harmful stimuli, rather than being exclusively dependent on the brain mechanisms involved. In another context, it has less to do with the specific anatomical makeup of the brain and more to do with how the mind functions and interacts with the outside environment. Thirdly, property dualism: According to property dualism, physical and mental properties coexist while being different. It makes the case that although mental qualities cannot be reduced to physical ones, they nevertheless interact with the physical environment. It acknowledges that there are unique aspects of our unconsciousness and subjective experiences that cannot be fully explained by physical processes alone. An analogy that is frequently used to describe property dualism is the distinction between "water" and "H2O." Despite their close relationship, water and H2O are two different substances. Likewise, property dualism claims that although mental and physical characteristics are different, they are closely related. The last claim made by substance dualism is that the body and the mind are two distinct substances. It implies that the mind is a separate, non-physical entity from the physical body. Substance dualism recognizes that humans have a spiritual or immaterial side apart from the material world. It's like believing that our identity and consciousness transcend the material dimensions of our existence. The ability of type identity theory to better understand the causal relationship between mental and physical states is one of its main advantages. This idea holds that mental and brain states are not only connected, but the same thing. According to the article, “the type identity

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4 theory claims that there is a contingent relation between mental states, such as, pain and physical states (events), such as, C-fibre excitation” (Jackson et al., 1982). This indicates that matching brain processes directly cause mental events, including thoughts or perceptions. For instance, the perception of a red apple has a direct connection to the activation of neurons in the visual cortex responsible for color processing. One strong argument in favor of type identity theory is the clear causal relationship between the mental and the physical. The ability of type identity theory to explain the unity of consciousness is an additional benefit. Our thoughts, feelings, and sensory perceptions are all included in the complicated phenomena that is consciousness. According to the type identity theory, every conscious experience may be linked to a particular pattern of brain activity. Because consciousness is based on the physiological functions of the brain, this enables a logical and comprehensive understanding of consciousness. Type identity theory provides a thorough explanation of consciousness by revealing the way in which different mental experiences can be integrated into a single conscious encounter. Furthermore, type identity theory is consistent with what we know about neurology today. Certain neural correlates of mental states have demonstrated by advancements in brain imaging technology. Research has demonstrated, for instance, that during cognitive functions, such as recovering memories or decision-making, particular brain regions are continuously engaged. Because type identity theory is compatible with the observed association between brain activity and mental experiences, this evidence-based support enhances the theory's plausibility. It is important to recognize that type identity theory has its share of difficulties. The problem of multiple realizability is one important objection. This refers to the idea that identical mental processes can arise from a variety of physical systems, not simply the human brain. For example, even if the advanced artificial intelligence system's physical structure differs from that of a human brain, it is possible that it

5 could display conscious experiences. This challenges the strict one-to-one correspondence proposed by type identity theory. Although a variety of hypotheses have been put up to solve the mind-body issue, no agreement has been established. The dualism viewpoint recognizes the complexity of human mind and the challenges associated with reducing it to purely physical mechanisms. However, materialism provides a more scientific framework in which the mind is understood as an emergent characteristic of the physical brain. Advances in neuroscience and a better comprehension of the intricate connection between the mind and body will probably be necessary for further investigation of this issue. References

6 Anderson, D. L. (2003). Functionalism: An introduction. The Mind Project. https://mind.ilstu.edu/curriculum/functionalism_intro/functionalism_intro.html#:~:text= Now%20it%20must%20be%20said,our%20best%20theories%20in%20physics. Jackson, F., Pargetter, R., & Prior, E. W. (1982). Functionalism and type-type identity theories. Philosophical studies , 42 , 209-225. Stewart, D., & Blocker, H. G. (2013). Fundamentals of philosophy (8th ed.). Pearson Education.

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