What Is Mind

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School

Grand Canyon University *

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103

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Apr 3, 2024

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docx

Pages

6

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1 What Is Mind? Michael Carrera College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Grand Canyon University Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics Gary Osmundsen March 10 th , 2024
2 Introduction The author Bessel Van der Kolk of “The Body Keeps The Scores” defines the mind-body connection as our emotions, mental states, and or thoughts manifesting into our physical body, thus leaving an imprint on it (Van der Kolk, 2014). Many people dispute and debate that the connection between the mind and body is absurd, while others tend to believe that the connection between the two is a real, significant aspect of our lives. In this assessment, there will be an overview of the problem in the mind-body connection while recognizing four solutions for it and concluding with the most efficient one. Mind-Body Problem There seem to be two primary problems with the mind-body connection. According to Rowlands (2009), the first problem with this connection is what is called the item nature of the mind-body connection and refers to the nature of mental items whether they are physical or not. This can appear as different mental states of an individual and observing if they can manifest in their physical body, whether it be symptoms or illness (Stewart et al, 2013). The second problem with the mind-body connection is its essence. This is regarding and defining the essences of mental phenomena, such as consciousness and intentionality, and whether are they able to be explained in physical terms or not (Rowlands, 2009). Four Philosophical Solutions to the Mind-Body Problem These four philosophical solutions each hold their argument to respond in defining the essences of consciousness and intentionality. Each of these solutions has its unique perspectives and these are identity theory, functionalist physicalism, property dualism, and substance dualism (Stewart et al, 2013). The four philosophical solutions are the primary
3 concepts when observing the problem with the mind-body connection and seem to be the most efficient response(s) to any others. Identity Theory The identity theory solution is a combination of views on the relationship between the mind and body. These include some types of mental states are purely identical to some types of brain states according to Rowlands (2009). For instance, the yearning to eat a piece of food, a feeling of bliss, and the anticipation of a situation occurring are all states of an individual’s brain (Stewart, 2013). Functionalist Physicalism The functionalist physicalism solution is defined as a set of beliefs that value the external constitution, the roles it plays, and the way it functions, rather than its internal components (Rowlands, 2009). This solution is most commonly exemplified by the mental state of pain an individual feels is connected to the C-Fiber activity also occurring in their brain (Stewart et al, 2013). Property Dualism The property dualism solution states that there are two distinct kinds of property in our world, which are the physical properties a thing or object can have and the mental properties as well (Rowlands, 2009). The physical properties can appear as weight, mass, or volume, while the mental properties can be the set of beliefs, pain, and or emotions the object or thing can have (Stewart et al, 2013). Substance Dualism Lastly, the substance dualism solution is the belief that different substances compose the mind and body (Rowlands, 2009). Furthermore, it states that the mind is a thinking thing lacking the usual qualities of physical objects, such as motion, size, shape, location, and the
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