Examine Descartes argument for the existence of a soul A01
- mechanicalworld view: examined animals and saw a mechanical body, same in humans. Difference between them is that humans have a rational soul
- dualism: soul is seperate to body. Lives in the pineal gland, gives us reason and conscience. Ghost in the machinery
- the soul: res extensa and res cogitans. 'I think therefore I am'
- immortality: soul is immortal. We live beyond this lifetime
Examine different philosophers' understanding of the body / soul relationship A01
- Descartes: mechanicalworld view and dualism
- Plato: World of Forms + innate knowledge
- Descartes: the soul and immortality
- Plato: reincarnation + cycle of opposites
I cannot survive death.' Evaluate this claim A02
- Against: Plato world of forms and cycle of opposites â> For: what about people that have dementia? When their soul supposedly rebirths, do they suddenly gain their knowledge and character back? That is not scientifically possible
- Against: Stories of reincarnation eg Cameron â> For: cannot fully verify it. Some details incorrect
- Against: Descartes 'I think, therefore I am' â> For: GilbertRyle, ghost in the machine
