Chapter 6 : The Mind-Body Problem |
OVERVIEW |
The topics of this and the
next chapter share a few
things in common. One of the
more interesting things is that most people raised in the last half of the
twentieth century are probably carrying two different sets of ideas with
regard to both the idea of the human mind and to that of human freedom.
Many people are operating with ideas that are inconsistent and some
that are outright contradictions of one another.
The stories or "myths" concerning "mind" and
"freedom" cannot all be true at the same time.
In this chapter, and in the next as well, the inconsistencies and
conflicts will be noted and then explored.
For many thinkers these are some of the most perplexing issues
in Philosophy. Certainly
these topics are associated with a core list of issues that are termed
"perennial". These
questions arise within each culture.
They have been approached from different perspectives.
Answers have been offered. No
one answer or solution has gained acceptance by an overwhelming majority
of thinkers let alone worldwide acceptance.
So prepare yourself to explore important matters.
These materials might cause you to reexamine
your beliefs and alter your position. Be prepared to become a little
unsettled. For some you may
be more than just a little disturbed.
You may be disturbed that beliefs you have held may need to be
reexamined or abandoned. You
may be disturbed that there is no one official correct answer to the
questions that you will confront. So
it is with many questions in Philosophy, some of which you have already
experienced. It could
just be that despite the fact that a great many people derive great
comfort from these commonly held beliefs, that these beliefs may,
nonetheless, be untrue! What
is to be put in their place if you find that you can no longer hold to
what you once believed? The
questions are basic. The
answers are very difficult to explain and defend.
Do
you have a mind? What makes you think so?
Do you have free will? What makes you think so? |
Proceed to the next section.
|
Return to: Table of Contents for the Online Textbook |