Philosophy: Exam 3 REVIEW

What is the core question of the mind-body problem?

The relationship between us as thinkers/conscious experiencers and us as humans/organisms.

What is another name for the mind-body problem?

The consciousness-brain problem.

Which philosopher is most associated with the modern version of the mind-body problem?

René Descartes.

What are the three main parts of the mind-body problem?

1. Ontological - What kinds of stuff are there? 2. Metaphysical - What makes the mental mental? 3. Causal - How (if at all) do mind and body interact?

What is Dualism?

The view that mind and body are fundamentally different kinds of stuff.

What is Physicalism?

The view that mind is a way of taking up physical things (all is physical).

What is Cartesian Dualism?

Belief in two kinds of stuff (mental & physical) where the mind affects the body and vice versa.

What is Reductive Physicalism?

The view that only physical stuff exists; to be in pain is to be a certain brain state.

What is Mentalism?

The belief that minds/mental states exist (e.g., beliefs, thoughts).

How does Dualism relate to Mentalism?

Dualism = Mentalism + the claim that the mind is NOT physical (not the brain).

What is Interactionism (M ↔ B)?

Mind and body causally interact with each other (Cartesian / popular dualism, most religions).

What is Epiphenomenalism (B → M)?

The mind is a by-product of the brain, but thoughts don't cause actions.

What is Substance Dualism?

The mind is its own independent substance (e.g., soul, spirit).

What does Substance Dualism allow for?

Existence of disembodied minds, life beyond death.

What is Property Dualism?

The mind as a non-physical property of the brain, strongly dependent on the body.

What are the two types of Property Dualism?

1. Interactive Property Dualism 2. Epiphenomenalism

What are the three main forms of Dualism?

1. Interactive Substance Dualism (ISD) 2. Interactive Property Dualism (IPD) 3. Epiphenomenalism

What is Supervenience?

The principle (accepted by materialists) that the mental depends on the physical.