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Descartes Argument For Substance Dualism

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Rene Descartes’ argument for substance dualism (the theory that the mind and body are two separate substances) and an immaterial mind is as follows. It is conceivable for me to be a mind without a body, but not vice versa, so the mind must be independent of the body. Logically this argument is valid such as that if it is possible for a mind to be without a body then the mind must be independent. The problem with this argument is on the premise that it is conceivable to be a mind without a body. Theodore Schick criticized this argument well by asking if is truly possible to be a mind without a body. A mind without a body would not have any physical properties, so feelings from our senses could not be experienced. What form could a non-physical mind take? The more questioning …show more content…

The problem of interaction. How can a physical body interact with a non-physical mind? It is obvious that the physical affects the mind when you look at reactions in the mind caused by physical stimuli. Alterations of mental states by drugs and mental states such as pain are clear indicators. It is also obvious that the reverse is true as well. If the mind was truly non-physical it seems to be impossible that there would be no trace in the physical world of this interaction. Because of this, it is very unlikely that the mind is a separate substance. If there was a good reason to believe in substance dualism it would most likely have to do with maintaining the possibility of an afterlife. Many religions believe in something happening to a person’s mind or consciousness after death. Your soul passes on to heaven or you’re reincarnated are two examples. For these to be possible it would require your mind to be separate from the body. Your physical body is not reincarnated, and it is never taken to heaven. The thought of an afterlife does not explain how the mind would be separate, but it would be enough cause to believe for many

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