Mind and Body Problem in Philosophy

The mind and body problem in philosophy is a topic that has been examined and speculated over for many years, originating back to the times of philosopher Rene Descartes. Some modern day philosophers struggle accepting Descartes dualistic theory and other materialism or idealism theories, and continue to explore the differences between the innate consciousness and physical body. Where does the physical brain and nonphysical consciousness intersect, if at all? (Goodwin, 2005). The realm of mind and consciousness, how both relate to the physical body, and if the independent mind transcends functions to the physical body will be discussed.

Dualistic Theory

The philosopher Rene Descartes is credited for his influential contribution to the dualistic theory of the innate consciousness and physical body. Descartes refused to accept the beliefs and ideas of predecessors and made a breakthrough in philosophy by clearly distinguishing the mind and body. The human body is known as a physical entity capable of moving and being seen, while the human mind is considered independent of the physical body. Descartes believed the mind is a nonphysical substance that is separate from the physical body and brain. The brain is the center of intelligence for the physical body while the mind is for self-awareness and consciousness, which is considered the realm of mind and consciousness. Descartes also claimed the pineal gland is the center network for where the mind can influence the physical body. He did not believe the mind was located within the pineal gland, but that the gland was able to channel the mind's influences (Goodwin, 2005).

Cartesian dichotomy stemmed from Descartes' teachings, as the theory divides animals and humans. He believed humans had a mechanical body with a mind that is capable of reasoning, while animals are mechanical bodies without the capability of reasoning. The simple explanation is that humans are combined with minds and bodies, while animals have just bodies that evolve and react to their environment. Descartes was labeled a mechanist and interactionist for his claims on the mind and body problem (Goodwin, 2005).

Differing Theories

Gottfried Leibniz postulated the solution to the mind and body problem is a psychophysical parallelism. The mind and body work harmoniously together in complete agreement, despite being components which operate independently of each other. Leibniz believed the physical and mental realms were monads, which are considered energy forces instead of material objects. In contrast, George Berkley claimed the mind exists only because it is an extension of human consciousness. Berkley believed knowledge and actions are obtained through perception, and claimed God as the permanent receiver of all things (Goodwin, 2005).

Independent Mind

Many followers of Descartes' teachings believe the physical body has an independent mind that transcends physical functions throughout the body through the central nervous system. Descartes claimed the pineal gland channeled the interactions of the mind and physical body. Some philosophers, like materialists, disagree with dualists and suggest the mind is a bodily function that is not independent (Goodwin, 2005).

Early philosophers and psychologists like Descartes, Leibniz, and Berkley have provided modern philosophy and psychology with a difficult question to answer. Does the physical body have an independent mind that transcends physical functions throughout the body through the central nervous system? The mind and physical body are two necessary components that work harmoniously to enable a human to function appropriately. The physical body may very well have an independent mind that transcends physical functions. The mind is a powerful tool, which is capable of causing physical changes throughout the human body. Many techniques such as relaxation, yoga, and meditation are examples of people being capable of using their mind to change physical bodily functions. The statement "mind over matter" seems to ring true in this instance. In addition, Descartes believed the mind would directly influence the body by providing a decision to eat healthier to sustain a longer life, while the body could directly influence the mind with a food allergy causing physical symptoms to redesign a food plan (Goodwin, 2005).

Conclusion

The interactions between the mind, brain, and consciousness with the physical body has been discussed and debated for many years. Early and modern day philosophers and psychologists have presented theories to solve the mind-body problem, but most differ greatly. The realm of mind and consciousness has been agreed to be self-awareness, while the interactions with the physical body is yet to be fully agreed upon. The quest to determine the truth behind the mind, consciousness, and the physical body may remain a mystery, but history has given modern day science many theories to continue exploring for a possible accurate conclusion.

References

Goodwin, C. J. (2005). A history of modern psychology (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley