Descartes Mind Body Dualism Essay
Maeve Miller
Philosophy HW 10/27/16
Descartes
Upon observation, Descartes formulated a thesis called mind-body dualism, which summarized the idea that even though they coexist with one another, the material human body is distinct from the immaterial human mind. He states that he can derive the “essence” of himself without needing to account for his body and that essence is thought. Therefore, even though his mind may not be material, it still exists. But he can also derive the essence of his body, which is extension. He reaches this conclusion through deductive reasoning regarding his existence, how he perceives the world, and God’s influence in his life. In Mediation I, he observes that he withdraws from the senses, but at the same time, …show more content…
Their point of intersection is nebulous to him, and he simply infers that the pineal gland is the center of interaction due to the fact that it lies in the middle of the brain. Even though he has an elaborate explanation regarding this “fire” that humans are born with, and these charged particles--also known as animal spirits-- that are selectively transferred to the brain and result in reactions, he doesn’t explain how the energy of these particles convert into sensations, the imagination, memory and the causation of bodily movements. Although he differentiates these qualities listed, he never explains how the mind and body interact with each other to produce these qualities, even though he begins by saying that he will eventually reveal how the two are joined. Descartes’ lack of description regarding a crucial aspect of his argument-- the mind-body interaction-- weakens his overall idea of dualism. Even though it may be true that the mind is immaterial because it is not measurable and extendable like the body, Descartes is unable to fully defend his argument when he goes more into detail, and that is where the notion of dualism
Philosophy HW 10/27/16
Descartes
Upon observation, Descartes formulated a thesis called mind-body dualism, which summarized the idea that even though they coexist with one another, the material human body is distinct from the immaterial human mind. He states that he can derive the “essence” of himself without needing to account for his body and that essence is thought. Therefore, even though his mind may not be material, it still exists. But he can also derive the essence of his body, which is extension. He reaches this conclusion through deductive reasoning regarding his existence, how he perceives the world, and God’s influence in his life. In Mediation I, he observes that he withdraws from the senses, but at the same time, …show more content…
Their point of intersection is nebulous to him, and he simply infers that the pineal gland is the center of interaction due to the fact that it lies in the middle of the brain. Even though he has an elaborate explanation regarding this “fire” that humans are born with, and these charged particles--also known as animal spirits-- that are selectively transferred to the brain and result in reactions, he doesn’t explain how the energy of these particles convert into sensations, the imagination, memory and the causation of bodily movements. Although he differentiates these qualities listed, he never explains how the mind and body interact with each other to produce these qualities, even though he begins by saying that he will eventually reveal how the two are joined. Descartes’ lack of description regarding a crucial aspect of his argument-- the mind-body interaction-- weakens his overall idea of dualism. Even though it may be true that the mind is immaterial because it is not measurable and extendable like the body, Descartes is unable to fully defend his argument when he goes more into detail, and that is where the notion of dualism