Topic 4a - Problems with Dualism

Question 1

Main Idea

Answer 1

• If we think of the mind as some ethereal entity, it leads to a lot of problems

Question 2

Mind/Body Interaction Problem

Answer 2

• If we view the mind as an abstract thing separate from the body, then how do they interact
• If we think of the mind as separate from physical matter, then it loses its ability to affect the physical world

Question 3

Proper Scientific Account of Mental Phenomena

Answer 3

• Can an explanation of the mind that relies on unobservable mental states be properly scientific?
• How can we measure and/or disprove something we physically cannot observe

Question 4

Dualism vs Materialism

Answer 4

• Dualism: Believing that mind and matter are distinct things
• Materialism: All is physical
• Physics would suggest that the latter is true

Question 5

Schematic Cognitive System

Answer 5

The world -> The senses -> The mind -> The muscles -> The world

Question 6

Behaviourism

Answer 6

• School of psychology that ignores any notion of mental activity aside from basic input -> output
• Problem is that we clearly have some process aside from direct stimulus that causes behaviour that this mode of thought doesn’t explain