Mind-Body Interaction and Descartes

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer looks at the theory proposed by Rene Descartes regarding the mind-body interaction which argued that the mind is a separate and distinct substance from the body. The writer discusses that a thought experiment led Descartes to believe that not only are the mind and body separate entities, but each are also independent and could exist without the other. Descartes uses a method of doubt in order to determine that the mind must be separate and independent from the body. Descartes can doubt that the world he sees before him exists, and that material objects which come into his perception could be imposed on his senses. The writer also discusses that Descartes rightly demonstrates through examples such as hallucinations, dreams, and after-images, that sensory perception cannot provide a positive case for the existence of corporeal beings in the external world.

From the Paper:

"Gottlob Frege further argues against the mind-body distinction, pointing out that Descartes could be committing the fallacy of equivocation. Frege posits that Descartes is using one word in a premise which does not mean the same thing in the conclusion. When following a psychological verb, words refer to concepts rather than an actual thing. What must be asked is what Descartes is referring to when he makes the claim that he can doubt the existence of his brain. According to Frege, any time a word follows a psychological verb, like doubt, believe, or conceive, the word no longer refers to the actual object or subject at hand, but rather the concept."

Sample of Sources Used:

• From Meditation VI and from Objection IV and Reply by Rene Descartes

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