The Mind / Brain Identity Theory - 1718 Words

A person relates to the world through different mental and corporeal experiences. The former is associated with one having a (non-physical) mind, which contains beliefs, desires, feelings and so on, while the latter involves having a (physical) brain. The Mind/Body problem questions whether the mind and brain are the same or different objects. For a long time, the interpretation of these experiences has been much debated by philosophers and scientists. One influential interpretation is Descartes’s Dualism of substances, which became one of the most lasting legacies in his philosophy. However, a scientifically stronger interpretation was advanced through the Mind/Brain Identity theory. Prior to discussing how Elliott Sober’s presentation of the Identity Theory is philosophically stronger than Dualism, I will begin by evaluating the philosophical perspective of Dualism; I will examine the distinction between mental and physical substance and assess the strengths of duali sm. I will also attempt to show the subsequent problems that rise from such distinction and some of the prominent reasons for why Dualism do not hold weight against the Identity Theory. Dualism being the brainchild of Rà ©ne Descartes was subsequently labeled as Cartesian Dualism. This theory holds that one possesses an entity called the soul, which can exist independently of the body (the soul can be translated to the mind). Descartes argues that there are two fundamentally different kinds of substances, oneShow MoreRelatedThe Mind Brain Identity Theory1096 Words   |  5 Pagesof the mind have been made for and against, whether or not the mind and the brain are the same entity. The mind-brain identity theory is the view that the mind is the brain and that mental states are brain states (Mandik 77). Therefore, we can identify sensations and other mental processes with physical brain processes (Blutner 4). I argue, that the mind is not identical to the brain, and the conceivable idea of zombies, as well as the multiple realizability argument, can disprove this theory. InRead MoreThe Mind Brain Identity Theory1371 Words   |  6 PagesPhilosophy October 29, 2015 In this paper, I will argue that the Mind-Brain Identity Theory provides sufficient grounds to accept Epicurus’ argument for death being annihilation. I will argue my thesis by referring to Peter Carruthers’ The Mind Is the Brain to establish that one’s mental states are in fact brain states and will also refer to Epicurus’ Death is Nothing to Us. Next, I will explain that if one accepts the Identity Theory then one should also accept, as Epicurus argues, that death shouldRead MoreThe Mind Brain Identity Theory1689 Words   |  7 Pagesargument that dealt a â€Å"considerable blow† to the Mind-Brain Identity Theory—a theory developed by J.C.C Smart—in which he [Putnam] stated â€Å"mental states are multiply realizable.† His argument is driven by functionalism. His functionalist account of mental states like pain differs from what is explained by the Mind-Brain Identity Theory. In turn, he also avoids the issue of multiple real izability, an issue that was proven to be problematic for the Identity Theory. This leads into John Searle s argument againstRead MoreThe Mind Brain Identity Theory Essay1977 Words   |  8 Pages The mind is a complex myriad of thoughts and psychological systems that even philosophers today cannot entirely grapple. It is composed of the senses, feelings, perceptions, and a whole series of other components. However, the mind is often believed to be similar or even the same as the brain. This gives rise to the mind-brain identity theory, and whether there exists a clear distinction between the physical world and the non-material mind. In this paper, I will delineate the similarities and differencesRead MoreThe Mind Body Identity Theory1668 Words   |  7 Pagesnature of a human person; this has lead to various theories and speculation about the nature of the human mind and body. The question they are tying to answer is whether a human being is made of only the physical, body and br ain, or both the physical or the mental, mind. In this paper I will focus on the mind-body Identity Theory to illustrate that it provides a suitable explanation for the mind and body interaction. Identity Theory Identity theorists hold the view that the mental events are nothingRead MoreThe Theory And Identity Theory, And Deal With The Multiple Realisability Argument1690 Words   |  7 Pagesdefinitive solution is yet to be found that universally satisfies the problem of mind brain identity. The most logical answer comes in the form of monism. Therefore in this paper I will argue that the mind and the brain are identical, as the mind exists only as a property of the brain. David Lewis and D.M Armstrong give support for the causal relationship between mind and brain states in the form of the identity theory, and deal with the multiple realisability argument provided by Hillary Putman. GottlobRead MoreUsing Material From Smart And Armstrong1378 Words   |  6 Pageshoc basis I will attempt first, explain what â€Å"Mental states are identical to physical brain states† means in philosophical context. Second, I will explain the motivations of the type-identity thesis (Occam s Razor, and explanation of the casual efficiency of mental states) using material from Smart and Armstrong. Third, I will go onto examining type-identity thesis merits (how it solves Descartes problem of mind and body and how it allows us to derive the casual role of mental phenomena) and drawbacksRead MoreThe Brain And Mind Identity1608 Words   |  7 Pagesis more mysterious than the human mind but without the brain how do you have a mind? The brain sends and receives information by electrical impulses around the human body allowing us to see, move, feel, hear and think. If the brain is removed from the human body these impulses will cease, thus there will be no mind. Philosophers like Place, Smart, and Armstrong support this claim through the notion of identify theory and type physicalism. Brain and mind identity is a very controversial topic withRead MoreThe Identity Theory Of Mind1385 Words   |  6 PagesThe development of the Identity Theory of Mind is representative of materialist p hilosophy’s shift towards questions of human consciousness. Within philosophical and scientific circles, discussions of the mind and body have supplanted discussions of what constitutes the world around us. Staggering technological innovation, alongside the establishment of superior of scientific research methodologies, has given rise to this philosophical trend – Identity Theory is, indeed, the culmination of this trendRead MorePhilosophy Of Rene Descartes860 Words   |  4 Pagesstems another critical part of his philosophy which states that the mind and the body are two separate substances. This concept is called dualism. Minds are indestructible and indivisible. Bodies are destructible and divisible (Searle, 2004). Descartes claims that the mind and the body are connected in the sense that the body is an extension of the mind. Moreover, the reduction of consciousness to a bodily state is impossible. The mind, according Descartes, is able to exist on its, own separ ate from