Introduction
The mind-body problem is a philosophical discussion explaining the relationship between the body and mind. Various past and modern philosophers have developed varied positions regarding whether the mind is independent of the body. Sufficient evidence shows that the mind is what the brain does and that both are interdependent. The article “the mind-body problem” by Paul M. Churchland examines the relationship between mind and body. The author’s analysis comprises multiple theories in which philosophical experts explain the mind-body connections. Churchland seeks to understand the fundamental nature of mental states and processes, where minds come from, and if the mind survives the body’s disintegration. Dualism theory claims that the mind is a nonphysical thing independent of the physical body. This paper covers the analysis of the general subject, dualism from Descartes’ viewpoint, an individual perspective of the topic, and rebuttals. The discussion entails summarizing, thorough examination, critical reasoning, and arguing to reach a conclusion. The mind is primarily conscious of the physical body and the two are interdependent for proper functioning.
Overview of the Big Idea
The mind-body problem is the issue of understanding the relationship between the mind and body. Precisely, whether or not the mental states are part of or dependent on the physical body. There are many and varied philosophical positions regarding this topic. Indeed, experts established several theories to explain the special relationship between the body and mind. Philosophers have recently argued that neuroscience provided an answer to this question. They state that mental states are neural states and that mental phenomena can be discussed through physical vocabulary without losing meaning (Cathomas et al., 2019). The neurophilosophers Paul Churchland and Patricia have the most prominent positions in this subject. However, their understanding is vulnerable to developing neuroscience.
There is no evidence that the mind exists independent of the physical body. However, there is evidence that the mind is what the brain does and the brain here represents the physical body. It means mental states are interconnected with the physical body and cannot exist separately. For example, individuals with a flat line for an EEG do not show any properties of mind (Cathomas et al., 2019). Children born without brain or anencephaly do not equally show elements of the mind. Anesthesia changes brain function and makes the mind unconscious (Carvalho & Damasio, 2021). Furthermore, brain damage through either tumors, trauma or even stroke alters the functioning of the mind. In other words, brain changes significantly affect the mind’s functioning. In most cases, paralyzing the brain damages the mind, and one can no longer function effectively. Therefore, the mind depends on the physical body and cannot exist independently.
The mind-body problem also involves whether a machine can be created to adequately simulate the functions of the mind so that one can no longer differentiate the simulation from a human. This experiment is the essence of the Turin Test, and substantial progress has been attained so far (Cathomas et al., 2019). There is a possibility that it will change the future reality of the mind-body relationship. Such experiments were impossible a few decades ago, but with continued advancements in technology and technical knowledge, they will be possible. In the meantime, philosophers continue to review the existing evidence regarding mind-body relations. The evidence shows that mind-brain schism was developed out of ignorance and continues due to ignorance of the adequate empirical proof that the mind is emergent of brain property and is dependent on the brain (Carvalho & Damasio, 2021). Natural science has indicated that the mind is what the brain does. Studies show that 98% of modern psychologists believe that the mind results from brain function (Cathomas et al., 2019). Henceforth, the schism of mind-body relations should no longer exist following the massive evidence. However, the body of science development, like the one developing AI machines, has indicated the need to continue this investigation to beat the existing findings.
Area of Concentration
Dualism theory is a critical area to concentrate on because although it is not popularly accepted to explain the relations of body and mind, it is the most common theory of mind. All theories of dualism affirm that the essential nature of conscious intelligence exists in something nonphysical beyond computer science, physics, or neurophysiology (Churchland, 2015). The theory is deeply rooted in popular religious culture and beliefs; hence easy to relate with a significant population. Specifically, this discussion will focus on the substance dualism by Descartes.
In substance dualism theory, Descartes believes that a mind is a distinct nonphysical package whose identity is independent of the physical body. Therefore, the activities and mental states obtain their character from the activities and being a state of the nonphysical substance (Sellmann, 2019). In other words, the theorist provides that the mind develops and controls different cognitive responses. Further explanation of the theory states that a real person is not the material body but a thinking substance or mind-stuff distinct from the physical body (Churchland, 2015). The theorist’s perspective is that the mind is a ghost that can exist on its own after the body perishes. Therefore, although the mind formulates various mental states, it can live in the absence of the body.
Descartes’ reasoning is vivid and straightforward because they are based on direct introspection. According to Churchland (2015), Descartes believed he was a thinking substance and nothing else. He could also not imagine how a physical system could not use language or mathematical reasoning like a normal human. These perspectives are further supported by evidence that the human body relies on guts to take the following action (Bright, 2021). The human guts are triggered by a thinking process controlled by the mind. It is evident that humans would ignore their guts and still do the right thing. This only proves that the mind is separate from the body and that the body can function independently. Descartes’s viewpoint is based on the widespread religious view, which cannot be ignored in the real world. The mind-body relationship is like a religious belief, in which the believers cannot materially count for their constituents in the perspective of faith. The theorist believes that the mind exists as a ghost in a machine and, in this case, the body. The ghost or the spirit can live on its own should the body be eliminated. This narrative is similar to religious views that hold that the spirit will survive the body’s death and will later exist separately. However, Descartes is not sure about the composition of the mind but believes it exists.
Property dualism claims that the mind is composed of unique properties such as having pain, thinking of something, and desiring things. It is through the reaction of these brain properties that the body function accordingly. The property dualism theorist asserts that mental properties depend on the energy generated by the physical body for proper functioning (Churchland, 2015). Therefore, a mind separated from the body-mind does not function due to a lack of energy. A primary argument supporting dualism relates it to religion, a huge aspect of human life. Critics challenges dualism for lack of enough evidence to prove how possible it is for the body and mind to function independently.
Thoughts about the Topic
The human mind is primarily conscious of the physical body. The body shapes the sense of self where in this case, ‘self’ is the mind. It is impossible to separate the human mind from the body. Each of the systems is dependent on the other for proper functioning. All body parts have sensory sections that stimulate feelings and send them to the brain. For example, one feels pain when a person’s finger is hit. A physical action directly relates to a mental state, the pain. Another example is if a person bending suddenly raises their head because they thought about checking what is above or stretching their neck. The movement of the neck is the functioning of the physical body, and the thought is the mental process. Therefore, the two body systems function interdependently. It means that a mind process accounts for every physical state or action. If the mind or the body stops working, the other is also paralyzed. Consequently, a person in a coma cannot move various parts of their body because the state of the coma paralysis the mind as well as the physical body.
It is possible for the body to also trigger a mind’s response. A physical body can react while a person is in unconscious state of mind. For example, if a person unconsciously looks in a specific direction and later sees an approaching car, the real reason for turning their head is not directly related to a particular brain function. However, the state of the unconscious mind is not proof that the mind is not functioning. The mind is still working and focused on another mental state other than the current action. The process of unconsciousness also does not last for a long time before the mind focuses on the body’s reaction. The mind and the physical body can trigger a reaction that directly affects the other. For example, the eyes see an emotional video on the phone, the brain sends happiness signals to the mind, and the eyes tear down. The process involves a circle of reactions from both the body and mind. Therefore, there is no way the mind can exist on its own.
Rebuttals
The dualism theory is challenged for not proving that the mind is independent of the body and that it can exist without the physical body. The critics of this claim base their criticism on the scientific explanation of how the brain works. However, dualism theorists do not base their reasons on science. According to Churchland (2015), Descartes establishes his claims from a religious viewpoint. Religion is based on believing in the nonphysical existence of the mind as a spirit after death. Equally, Descartes believes that the mind can exist even upon the end of the body. That the nonphysical substance is independent of the physical form hence their functioning are separate. The activities and mental states obtain their character from the activities and are the state of the nonphysical substance. The dualism theory generally holds that the body is highly dependent on energy and hence can rely on it to survive.
The critics base their arguments on the scientific explanation of a nervous system serving the body and mind. According to Cathomas et al. (2019), the nervous system is the most complex part of the human body because it coordinates sensory information and actions by transmitting signals to and from various body parts. The body and mind are interdependent systems that cannot function upon disintegration. However, Descartes state that a person is a ‘ghost’ in a machine. In this case, the mind is the real person who exists in a machine or the physical body. Descartes could not imagine why a physical system could not use language or mathematical reasoning like a normal human. Therefore, the mind is a separate package independent of the body.
Conclusion
Different theories explaining the mind-body problem provide varied opinions regarding the existence and functioning of the two systems. Dualism provides that the mind is an independent system whose functioning is not dependent on the body. While some theorists make more sense, others do not establish logic. Dualism, reduction materialism, and functionalism theories make reasonable claims about the mind-body relationship. Although they have limitations, their reasoning line aligns with the topic. Philosophical behaviorism and eliminative materialism theories barely attempted to explain the mind-body connection. The dualism theory is supported by the assumption that the mind is a ghost in a body. Therefore, researching modern research can provide a reliable answer about the relationship.
References
Bright, S. (2021). The mind body relationship. Mindful Inquisitor. Web.
Carvalho, G. B., & Damasio, A. (2021). Interoception and the origin of feelings: A new synthesis. BioEssays, 43(6), 20-61. Web.
Churchland, P. M. (2015). Matter and consciousness. The MIT Press.
Cathomas, F., Murrough, J. W., Nestler, E. J., Han, M. H., & Russo, S. J. (2019). Neurobiology of resilience: Interface between mind and body. Biological Psychiatry, 86(6), 410-420. Web.
Sellmann, J. D. (2019). Beyond dualism: A review of mind and body in early China. Journal of World Philosophies, 4(2), 166-172. Web.