they are one Flashcards
René Descartes proposed the theory of
substance dualism – that the mind and physical body are separate – to suggest that human consciousness in the mind defines who we are and our reality. This is supported by ‘I think therefore I am’ (cognito ergo sum) – presenting our mind as the only reality, as it cannot be doubted. The concept of a personal identity – your ‘I’ – provides his philosophy with the strength of humans being provided with free will and the comfort of choice in life.
Dawkins
a biological materialist would disagree with the opinion that the soul and the body are separate substances. Dawkins bases his theory on evolution and genetics. He would reject any concept of an eternal soul and therefore rejects dualism. Some of Dawkins work includes the “selfish gene” and the “blind watchmaker” Within these he rejects any idea of the religious view of dualism and within the “selfish gene” he explains that humans are a lucky accident and that all life is opportunistic and humans are merely genetic mutations with the need to mindlessly replicate. Dawkins does not deny human dignity and accepts the complexity of human life to be able to contemplate the origins of human life.
what is the evidence for Dawkins theory of biological materialism based on
is based on DNA. Dawkins explains DNA as a code of instructions that is made up of millions of strands of genetic information. Genes according to Dawkins program who a person is, and it is DNA that singly creates what a person looks like as well as their personality. For Dawkins both the mind and body are controlled by the DNA and therefore he suggests that there is no need for a soul.
what is the flaw to Darwins theory
Although Dawkins theory is based on empirical evidence and it has been proved that certain genes decide certain parts of a persons characteristics there is yet no proof to suggest that genes make up the whole of a someone’s personality and therefore it could be seen that there may be something else, this may be the soul.
counterargument to platos ideas
medicine
On the other hand, the separation of the thinking mind (or soul) from the body opposes modern scientific discoveries linking the mind and body together – for example antidepressants treating mental illnesses through effects on the body. Bernard Williams gives the example of smoking; the action on the body affects the mind, through addiction and infection. This contradicts Descartes’ philosophy of a separate mind from the physical brain.
counter argument to Descartes argument
gilbert Ryle rejects Descartes’ substance dualism, believing that to claim there’s
‘a ghost in the machine’ (a separate soul as a reality) was a category error – a misuse of language. Ryle believed that instead, the soul was a collective, metaphorical aspect of ourselves, and as an eliminative materialist he believed our identity lies in our physical self, as a personality. Ryle used the example of a colleges collectively making up a university, in a similar way to how different physical aspects of our selves make up our soul, as opposed to a single college representing the university – or a separate substance from our body representing the thinking mind.
Dawkins view on the soul
Richard Dawkins would argue against both Plato and Aristotle. Dawkins is a hardcore materialist, making his viewpoints immediately clash with Plato’s. Dawkins believes that there 2 definitions of souls, one being the typical dualist spiritual soul, with the other simply being a metaphor or concept. Dawkins is a biologist and therefore believes that we are the way we are because of evolution and our DNA, there is no room in his scientific explanation for anything extra.
why does Dawkins disagree with Plato
Dawkins disagrees with Plato’s theory purely for the fact that he believes that if you can’t see or measure something then it doesn’t exist, namingly being the realm of the forms.
why does Dawkins disagree with Aristotle
Dawkins would disagree with Aristotle’s theory because he thinks that we can be explained by DNA rather than the four causes. Aristotle isn’t 100% a materialist as he believes that when you die, part of you continues. This is more of a dualist attitude about life after death, making his materialist argument questionable as he is not dedicated to materialism. This makes his theory incoherent.
what does modern science say about Aristotle’s argument
Modern science doesn’t use Aristotle’s four causes to explain the purpose of a frog, for example, meaning that Aristotle’s theory could be considered outdated.
what does modern science say about Plato’s theory
Modern science also disproves Plato’s theory as we know that the body is a real thing, as is our world because scientists have studied them for centuries. He also couldn’t prove that there was a separate realm in which the soul wants to be.
why is Plato’s idea weaker than Aristotle
However, Plato is consistent in his argument and belief in Dualism, unlike Aristotle who is undecided on materialism and dualism. Aristotle holds the greater argument for the view on the relationship between the body and soul because he has fewer issues with regard to proof of his theory and more contemporary views, unlike Plato.
