Question 1. The Descartes argument from doubt posits that the mind and body are different. He uses the Leibniz law that suggests that, for an object to be said to be similar to another, both objects should bear the same characteristics. Going with this, whatever is true of one thing should be true of the other thing. Different kinds of arguments are given to exemplify his belief. For instance, Following this argument, Descartes is seen to be wrong to suggest that the body and soul are separate. This is because, while some of our experiences may be wrong, they do not nullify the fact that human beings utilize their mind to think. The act of doubting is in itself evidence that human beings think.

Question 2. Descartes argues that the body and mind exist as separate entities. Descartes earlier suggests that the body and mind existing dualism as they differ in terms of matter. From the concept of divisibility, Descartes believes that, the body is very divisible, while the mind is indivisible. The human being, therefore, exists in duality. Theorist Rye through his essay “Descartes” refers to Descartes belief in duality as, a dogma of the ghost of machines. According to him, Descartes fails the scientific test and has thus made a big mistake. Ryle describes the mistake as a big error. Comparing the three theorists, Smart appears to make the best case. The smart’s concept of dualism is best portrayed by the assertion that, the mental event exists as a product of the brain. While the brain and the mental events are not identical, one is essentially a product of the other.

Question 3. The problem with other minds is a problem to justify the belief that others have similar minds. It remains an issue in philosophy, in that no philosopher has clearly explained this problem satisfactorily. When Rye treatss his mind is the only one existing, means that to judge another by behavior and consider them non-existent, is erroneous. Similarly, it is erroneous when duelists consider the mind as the only existing because it can think, and the body is non existent.

Question 4. The Jackson story of Mary portrays a neuroscientist who was confided in a room where the only available colors were black, white and shades of gray. Supposing she is neurophysiologist, she learns all that takes place in people when they see a red color. However, she has no experience of the physical characteristic of red color until one day when she steps outside and sees a ripe tomato fruit. For the first time, the neurophysiologist learns something new, a new experience that pertains red color. This story proves that one cannot reduce consciousness to brain processes. While one may imagine of an experience outside his consciousness, the physical characteristics he may attribute to that experience is totally different from the real life experience of that object. Physical information, therefore, is not adequate to give one the qualitative experience of an object.

You are looking at the theory of Dualism by Rene Descartes. Explain it. Do you agree with Descartes explanation or do you not and why? Is it correct in some aspects and not others? What is your argument?

A prospectus, a 1 page introduction saying what you’re going to discuss in the paper along with what sources you’re going to be using is due by Sunday April 16th, 2017 but the whole 6 pages is not due until April 30th, 2017. I’ve uploaded additional materials that is a sample of a prospectus that you can follow closely.

You can use Descartes Meditation VI: The Real Distinction Between Mind and Body

You also need to use 3 outside sources. Outside sources are books, journal articles, or essays (published within journals or books). Websites, essays and/or articles pulled from the web    are not legitimate sources for these papers, as we cannot verify the source of this information. If you pull it from the web it will be considered illegitimate and thus disallowed. If you are unsure then ask.