The Dualistic Approach to the Body-Mind Problem - Essay Example

The Dualistic Approach to the Body-Mind Problem Philosophy Essay November 15, Introduction The mind–body question in philosophy investigates the connection between mind and matter, and precisely the correlation between consciousness and the physical brain. Premises used in the mind-body debate largely revolve around two predominant concepts. One concept concerns the nature of human beings, and whether human beings comprise only material or if they are made of mind and matter. The second concern involves the relationship between these components. This paper looks at one of the perspectives of this body-mind problem that believes in an idealistic human nature (dualism). It critically analyzes some of the arguments in favor of and against this perspective as well as its relationship with epiphenomenalism and implications on the immortality of the soul. Dualistic Approach to the Body-Mind Problem Most proponents of dualism concur that the soul and the mind are the same but are different from the physical brain and its processes. There is a section of dualists who perceive the mind as an emergent material of the physical brain. Known as property dualists, they assert that though the mind is dependent upon the brain, it is not the same as the brain or its functions (Baker & Morris, 2013). The concept of dualism is often credited to Rene Descartes although he is not the origin of the concept precedes him. Classical dualism theories have existed since the creation. The Bible and most religious books teach about the nature of the soul (or mind) as separate and distinct from the physical body and brain. If we believe in the dualistic philosophy that the universe is not restricted to matter, then there is relatively strong evidence (scientific and rational) that supports body-mind dualism. The most challenging problem that dualism seems to solve is the relationship that exists between the apparently immaterial mind and the material body. In the subsequent section, this paper looks at some arguments for and against dualism. Recent Dualist Arguments In the modern conception of the mind-body problem, Descartes’ approach is used to explain the distinct nature of the mind and body. A dualist can argue that while the body can be seen by anyone interested, the mind is private and cannot be explored by another person. The nature of the mind is difficult to comprehend even for the person who holds the mind. ‘Intentionality’ is another relatively modern explanation for the apparent difference between the body and soul. Dualism argues that while the mind possesses intentionality, the body lacks this property. Mental processes are about certain things and concern concepts, places or events. On the other hand, the body exists as it is and is not about anything else other than what it is. Unlike bodies, thoughts have truth value in that they can be perceived as true or false. Rational and Scientific Evidence for Dualism The patron of dualism, René Descartes produces some straightforward arguments in support of the separate existence of the body and the soul (Baker & Morris, 2013). He implores us to consider our existence devoid of the body. That as we look in the mirror one morning we do not see anything. This scenario is impossible. However, for Descartes, since one can imagine the existence of the person separate from the existence of the body, then individuals are not constituted by the body. Therefore, the mind and body are two distinct substances. Had the mind and matter been identical, then it would have been virtually impossible to conceive the mind without conceiving the body at the same instance. An example of a rational argument for body-mind dualism is that mental and physical phenomena possess diverse properties. While the mental realm possesses different properties such as sensation and perception, such properties are not reducible to the physical. Studies in psychology and science denote the possibility of a mind of a mind separate from the body. Psychology cannot be dedicated to the study of matter since this would be irrational. Similarly, that there is a science of meteorology presumes a mind that cares about the weather. Though there exists an argument of electric stimulation of the brain to establish the material nature of the mind, such simulation cannot induce thought or decision. It is impossible to tell what a person is thinking by simply measuring his brain waves. Rational and Scientific Evidence against Dualism One argument against dualism is the absence of any rational comprehension of the possibility of an interaction between an immaterial mind and a material body, yet they are supposed to belong to the same person. This position relies on the presupposition of nonexistence of the supernatural which can provide justification for such interaction. The most substantial argument presented against dualism (and probably the strongest support for materialism) is the relationship between the mind and the physical brain. Progress made in neuroscience progressively authenticate the dependence of mental states on the state of the brain. Neurologists have succeeded in identifying certain parts of the human brain that are connected with particular mental dispositions. This school of philosophy postulates that the mind can be reduced to the body (brain) and cannot, therefore, not exist as a separate substance. Another case presented against the possibility of duality is what transpires in the event of damage to the brain due to trauma, drugs or disease. Such impairment in the brain compromises mental ability. If the mental and the physical are indeed separate, such damage to the brain should not compromise one’s mental ability. Though this argument seems sound, it has one oversight. It assumes the nonexistence of the supernatural and the role of God (or any such deity) in allowing the brain to control mental processes. Mind-Body Interaction Problem of Dualism If it is indeed true that the mind is separate from the body, then the problem that arises is the interaction between the body and mind. How does the mental interact with the material? In his original conception, Descartes postulates that the body and mind interact in the pineal gland. He believes that since the pineal gland is the only non-duplicate part of the body, it is the basis for such interaction. This has been proven wrong with research (Baker & Morris, 2013). Even in his postulation, Descartes makes no attempt to explain how this interaction occurs apart from suggesting the location of the interaction. When he couldn’t find a better explanation for this interaction Descartes retreats to religion and suggests that it happens according to God’s design. Dualism and Immortality of the Soul Dualism was coined from its view that humans comprise of two entities, which are mental (soul) and physical. Arguments presented in support of dualism can also be taken to support the concept of immortality of the soul or progression beyond physical death. Indeed if it is true that the soul exists, it is certainly an immaterial substance. If the soul is immaterial, then it cannot decompose in the same way that material substances decompose. Therefore, given that these premises are true, then the soul certainly is immortal. Epiphenomenalism and Cartesian Interactionism Epiphenomenalism is the philosophical view that mental processes result from physical events in the brain. As opposed to the view that mental processes control the physical aspects of the brain, this school holds that are effects of a shared cause. The interactionist view taken by epiphenomenalism often leads to comparison with the Cartesian dualists. However, the positions of these two schools have several points of divergence as shall be demonstrated here. Descartes’ view in meditation 1 concerning vapor has led has led many spiritualists to believe that he is an epiphenomenalist. Both Cartesian dualists and epiphenomenalists believe that the material and mental exist in space independent of the body. The Cartesian view holds that all human behavior is physically caused and that the mind and the body interact in the pineal gland, but does not explain the process of interaction. The epiphenomenal view, however, accounts for the events that occur during this interaction. Going by the Cartesian view, impulses are taken into the pineal gland while others go out. However, epiphenomenalism holds the view that the entire process of interaction is not dependent upon the physical. It looks like a refined version of dualism that fails to defend the religious soul, which is immortal. Conclusion Though the arguments presented for the dualistic nature of the body and soul are strong, some of these arguments do not have the ability to stand the test of time and scientific research. For instance, the view held by Cartesian dualists that body-mind interaction occurs in the pineal gland has been proven as false. Epiphenomenalism provides a better view to understanding the nature of the relationship between the body and soul. Reference Baker, G., & Morris, K. (2013). Descartes dualism. Canada: Routledge. Read More