Closer To Truth Solutions to the Mind-Body Problem?
Nov 27, 2024
Delve into the fascinating debate of whether humans are merely physical beings or possess a deeper spiritual essence. Explore philosophical frameworks like dualism, functionalism, and physicalism. Engage with bold ideas suggesting consciousness might be a type of matter. Discover the thought-provoking concept of pragmatic dualism, where the mind influences the physical world. Examine the implications of quantum mechanics on consciousness and the limitations of neuroscience in grasping personal awareness. A captivating journey into the nature of existence!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mind-Body Problem Solutions
- The mind-body problem has three solutions: dualism, functionalism, and physicalism.
- Ned Block favors physicalism for consciousness, believing the mind's biological realization in the brain is key.
Functionalism vs. Physicalism
- Functionalism views the mind like a computer program, where its function matters more than its substrate.
- Physicalism emphasizes the biological basis, and recent advances in consciousness studies support this view.
Defending Dualism
- Substance dualism posits that the mind/soul isn't made of ordinary matter and can exist independently of the body.
- Dean Zimmerman, despite being in the minority among philosophers, defends this view.