PHI-103-RS-T5-What is Mind

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Grand Canyon University *

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Philosophy

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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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

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