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Reality Consists of Mind and Matter



Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
  • Descartes gave a modern expression of metaphysical dualism by focusing on human nature.
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    Rene Descartes
  • Dualism gives way to two aspects that constitute reality:
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    1. Material entities or substances, like bodies and other physical substances/object
    2. Immaterial entities or substances, like minds and souls.

  • His theory is sometimes called psycho-physical dualism because he formulated his theory mainly on the nature of humans or human nature.

  • According to Descartes, everything in the universe is either a mind or a body. But humans are both.

  • Consider problems of Dualist theories

Reality Consists of Mind and Matter

  • Objects, experiences, senses, and other corporal matters would not appear to the self if they did not exist. No matter how much one desires to perceive these things.

  • I persuaded myself easily that I had no idea in my mind which had not formerly come to me through the senses. Nor was it difficult for me to recognize this body belonging to me (p. 347)

  • I conclude that my essence consists solely in the fact that I am a thinking thing (p. 347)

  • I possess a distinct idea of body, inasmuch as it is only an extended and unthinking thing, it is certain that this I [that is to say, my soul by which I am what I am], is entirely and absolutely distinct from my body, and can exist without it (p. 347)

  • It is clear that the distinct conception of a corporeal existence and some sort of physical extension, aside from the intellect or mind, exist and they exist clearly to not to an intelligent substance. "…some sort of extension found to be present, but no intellection at all." (p. 348)

  • All things that are comprehended in the object of pure mathematics, are truly to be recognized as external objects (p. 348)

  • There is a great difference between mind and body, inasmuch as body is by nature always divisible, and the mind is entirely indivisible (p. 349)

  • The mind and soul of a person is entirely different from the body (p. 349)

  • The mind those not receive impressions from all parts of the body immediately, but only from the brain (p. 349). This is to say that the body and mind are not connected, but are linked via a bridge called the brain.

  • Notice the mind's reactions and mechanisms to preserve the body. The connection of nerves to the brain that signal to the mind to take action to avoid certain danger or harm to the body. Given that the body is the vehicle for the mind and soul to represent themselves in the corporeal realm, the mind will act to protect the body. There appears to be a special care for the body from the mind. (p. 349) 


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