The Mind-Body Problem and Substance Dualism

Question 1

What are the two main problems of Philosophy of Mind?

Answer 1

1. The mind-body problem (relationship between the two)

2. The hard problem of consciousness (how and why do we have phenomenal experiences

Question 2

According to Descartes, what are some characteristics of bodies?

Answer 2

1. Extended in space
2. Non-thinking thing
3. Divisible into parts
4. Distinct spatial location
5. Incapable of self-movement
6. Perceived indirectly via the senses
7. Possibility of error or doubt

Question 3

According to Descartes, what are some characteristics of minds?

Answer 3

1. Non (necessarily) extended in space
2. A thinking thing
3. An indivisible, unified whole
4. Inheres in the body, but capable of existing without it
5. Capable of self-movement
6. Perceived directly via the intellect
7. Fully transparent and indubitable

Question 4

What is the argument from imagination?

Answer 4

P1. I can imagine that I have no body or spatial location.
P2. I cannot imagine that I do not exist as a thinking thing.
C1. I am a substance whose whole essence or nature is simply to think.
C2. This substance does not require any place, or depend on any material thing, in order to
exist.

Question 5

What is the argument from clarity and distinctness?

Answer 5

P1. I have a clear and distinct idea of myself, in so far as I am simply a thinking, non-extended
thing.
P2. I have a clear and distinct idea of body, in so far as this is simply an extended, nonthinking
thing.
C1. It is certain that I am really distinct from my body, and can exist without it.