Mind Body Problem

Substance dualism

The belief that humans consist of both a mind and a body, and that these two entities are distinct from each other.

Monism

The belief that humans are composed of only one entity, either the mind or the body.

Descartes theory

The theory developed by René Descartes that the mind is an immaterial, nonextended substance that engages in various mental activities.

Behaviourism

A theory that defines mental states as tendencies to behave in certain ways, disregarding the existence of mental substance.

Functionalism

A theory that focuses on the function of mental states rather than their materialistic aspects, emphasizing inputs and outputs.

Identity Theory

The theory that the mind is identical to the states and processes of the brain, and that mental states are just brain states.

Qualia

Intrinsic, non-relational properties of sense-data that are directly apprehended by consciousness.

Supervenience

The relationship between two kinds of things, where one kind is dependent on the other.

Property dualism

The belief that some minds have non-physical properties, and that a complete description of the physical universe would not be a complete description of the entire universe.

Zombie Argument

The argument that philosophical zombies, who lack qualia, are conceivable and therefore property dualism is true.

Epiphenomenalism

The belief that qualia, or subjective experiences, do not have any causal effect.

Evolutionary benefit

The advantage or usefulness of a trait or characteristic in the process of evolution.

Monism

The philosophical belief that there is only one fundamental substance or reality.

Materialism

The belief that nothing exists apart from the physical/material world, including the brain.

Functionalism

The belief that consciousness (the mind) is a function of the brain.

Phenomenalism

The belief that physical objects and events can be reduced to mental objects and events.

Subjective idealism

Another term for phenomenalism, which asserts that only mental objects exist.