Monism And Solipsism Critical Analysis
November 12, 2008
Intro to Philosophy
Critical Analysis of Dualism, Monism, and Solipsism
In this report I will give my critical analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and clarity of dualism, monism, and solipsism.
According to dualists, a human being is both a physical body, and a non-physical mind. We can easily determine properties that are physical. Anything that takes up space can be considered a physical property. However, it is nearly impossible to determine exactly what non-physical properties are. Without knowing exactly what non-physical properties are, it is difficult to determine if both physical and non physical properties can work together. If we can not see the mind or soul in nature, can we be sure it exists? If the non-physical soul does exist, can it affect the physical body? Can a non-physical mind cause the physical body to move? For example, if I decide to go to a football game, and do so, …show more content…
In a monist state of mind the body is made up of one whole, rather than of many pieces. The body originally exists as a whole, and particles can be derived from it. If this is true, how do we know which is prior? For example, imagine a circle. Now imagine it divided into two semicircles. Which is prior? The whole circle, or the two semicircles? Did the two semicircles adjoin to make a whole circle? Or did the whole circle divide to make two semicircles? According to monists the whole circle is prior. In order to prove that the circle was whole prior, you would have to disprove that the circle was originally two semicircles. This would be impossible to do, which makes the theory of monism unclear. If a monist believes that a whole circle is prior, this means that they believe the whole body is one prior. Since monists believe that only either mind or matter can make up existence, does this mean that the mind cannot exist? Or does it mean than the mind and body cannot exist
Intro to Philosophy
Critical Analysis of Dualism, Monism, and Solipsism
In this report I will give my critical analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and clarity of dualism, monism, and solipsism.
According to dualists, a human being is both a physical body, and a non-physical mind. We can easily determine properties that are physical. Anything that takes up space can be considered a physical property. However, it is nearly impossible to determine exactly what non-physical properties are. Without knowing exactly what non-physical properties are, it is difficult to determine if both physical and non physical properties can work together. If we can not see the mind or soul in nature, can we be sure it exists? If the non-physical soul does exist, can it affect the physical body? Can a non-physical mind cause the physical body to move? For example, if I decide to go to a football game, and do so, …show more content…
In a monist state of mind the body is made up of one whole, rather than of many pieces. The body originally exists as a whole, and particles can be derived from it. If this is true, how do we know which is prior? For example, imagine a circle. Now imagine it divided into two semicircles. Which is prior? The whole circle, or the two semicircles? Did the two semicircles adjoin to make a whole circle? Or did the whole circle divide to make two semicircles? According to monists the whole circle is prior. In order to prove that the circle was whole prior, you would have to disprove that the circle was originally two semicircles. This would be impossible to do, which makes the theory of monism unclear. If a monist believes that a whole circle is prior, this means that they believe the whole body is one prior. Since monists believe that only either mind or matter can make up existence, does this mean that the mind cannot exist? Or does it mean than the mind and body cannot exist