Philosophy of mind Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy of mind - Essay Example It critically analyzes some of the arguments in favor of and against this perspective as well as its relationship with epiphenomenalism and implications on the immortality of the soul. Most proponents of dualism concur that the soul and the mind are the same but are different from the physical brain and its processes. There is a section of dualists who perceive the mind as an emergent material of the physical brain. Known as property dualists, they assert that though the mind is dependent upon the brain, it is not the same as the brain or its functions (Baker & Morris, 2013). The concept of dualism is often credited to Rene Descartes although he is not the origin of the concept precedes him. Classical dualism theories have existed since the creation. The Bible and most religious books teach about the nature of the soul (or mind) as separate and distinct from the physical body and brain. If we believe in the dualistic philosophy that the universe is not restricted to matter, then there is relatively strong evidence (scientific and rational) that supports body-mind dualism. The most challenging problem that dualism seems to solve is the relationship that exists between the apparently immaterial mind and the material body. In the subsequent section, this paper looks at some arguments for and against dualism. In the modern conception of the mind-body problem, Descartes’ approach is used to explain the distinct nature of the mind and body. A dualist can argue that while the body can be seen by anyone interested, the mind is private and cannot be explored by another person. The nature of the mind is difficult to comprehend even for the person who holds the mind. ‘Intentionality’ is another relatively modern explanation for the apparent difference between the body and soul. Dualism argues that while the mind possesses intentionality, the body lacks this property. Mental processes are about certain things and concern concepts, places