Descartes

• What is substance dualism?

  There are two substances: matter - takes up space. And mind - thinks
• What did Descartes believe?

  The mind and body are separate
• What is Descartes’ principle of hyperbolic doubt?

  • Descartes knew we could be deceived by our senses
  • We can’t be 100% certain about anything (we could be dreaming etc)
  • The only thing we can be certain about is that we are ‘thinking things’
• “I think, therefore I am“ in Latin?

  Cogito ergo sum
• Strengths of Descartes’ theory

  • Holistic
  • Allows acceptance of science while exploring alternatives
  • Allows personal identity - everyones mind is different
  • Shows how mind and body interact
• Weaknesses of Descartes’ argument

  • How can a non-spatial mind influence a spatially located brain?
  • Physical damage on the brain affects the mind
  • If mind and body were separate you‘d be aware if you were unconscious
• What is David Hume’s challenge to Descartes?

  Descartes was not aware of an ‘I’, yet quotes it