Dualism
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==History== | ==History== | ||
Dualism has its written origins with [[wp:Plato|Plato]] and [[wp:Aristotle|Aristotle]], however it is ''central'' to most religious thought. The concept of "soul" as something immaterial and separate from the body is a ''sine qua non'' of Christian belief. In philosophy, [[wp:Descartes|Descartes]] is probably the father of "modern" dualism. For a more complete treatment, see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dualism_%28philosophy_of_mind%29 this]. | Dualism has its written origins with [[wp:Plato|Plato]] and [[wp:Aristotle|Aristotle]], however it is ''central'' to most religious thought. The concept of "soul" as something immaterial and separate from the body is a ''sine qua non'' of Christian belief. In philosophy, [[wp:Descartes|Descartes]] is probably the father of "modern" dualism. For a more complete treatment, see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dualism_%28philosophy_of_mind%29 this]. | ||
| + | ==Dualism in the modern world== | ||
| + | The advent of modern biology and neuroscience has dealt a serious blow to dualism. It might seem enough that no one has seen a mind without a body, but not so. The positive findings of neuroscience, including brain centers dealing with specific memories, thoughts, and emotions has backed dualists into a corner. | ||
[[Category:Philosophy]] | [[Category:Philosophy]] | ||
[[Category:Under Construction]] | [[Category:Under Construction]] | ||
Revision as of 02:05, 15 July 2007
Dualism, or "the mind-body problem" is a field of philosophy that attempts to reconcile the apparent problem that the brain and the mind appear to be two separate things. The problem is one of consciousness, which does not feel physical. On the other hand, no one has ever seen a mind without a brain.
History
Dualism has its written origins with Plato and Aristotle, however it is central to most religious thought. The concept of "soul" as something immaterial and separate from the body is a sine qua non of Christian belief. In philosophy, Descartes is probably the father of "modern" dualism. For a more complete treatment, see this.
Dualism in the modern world
The advent of modern biology and neuroscience has dealt a serious blow to dualism. It might seem enough that no one has seen a mind without a body, but not so. The positive findings of neuroscience, including brain centers dealing with specific memories, thoughts, and emotions has backed dualists into a corner.