Soul Mind And Body

Question 1

To what extent does Plato successfully explain the relationship between the body and the soul? [40] AS level 2019

Answer 1

1.(Unsuccessful) Innate knowledge, argument from linguistics, argument from opposites
2.(Unsuccsefull) Inner conflict/proof of a tripartite soul
3.(Unsuccessful) Materialism is better

Question 2

2. To what extent does Aristotle successfully explain the relationship between the body and the soul? [40]

Answer 2

1.(Unsuccessful) Formal and Final cause
2.(Somewhat successful) Avoids problem of evil
3.(Unsuccessful) Materialism is superior

Question 3

3. ‘Plato’s view of the soul is more coherent than that of Aristotle.’ Discuss. [40] A Level 2021.

Answer 3

1.(Reject) Aristotle’s understanding does not require another realm
2.(Reject) Aristotle avoids committing a category error by arguing the body and soul are inseparable
3.(Reject) Neither offer a coherent approach overall

Question 4

4. Descartes offers a coherent solution to the mind/soul and body problem. [40] A Level 2023.

Answer 4

1.(Incoherent) Cartesian Doubt
2.(Incoherent) Gilbert Rule is right, Problem of interaction, Category error
3.(Incoherent) Materialism is superior

Question 5

5. Evaluate the view that the thinking mind is separate from the body. [40] Sample question.

Answer 5

1.(Reject) Platonic dualism fails
2.(Reject) Cartesian Dualism fails
3.(Reject) Materialism

Question 6

6. ‘There is no such thing as a soul.’ Discuss. [40] AS Level 2017

Answer 6

1.(Support) Platonic dualism fails
2.(Support) Cartesian Dualism also fails
3.(Support) Materialism