Cartesian Dualism
Cartesian Dualism, proposed by René Descartes, is the idea that the mind and body are fundamentally different substances. The mind (or soul) is non-physical and responsible for thoughts and consciousness, while the body is physical and operates according to natural laws. This distinction raises the “Mind-Body Problem,” questioning how these two interact. It relates to the "Hard Problem of Consciousness," which asks why and how subjective experiences arise from brain activity. In essence, Cartesian Dualism separates mental and physical phenomena, posing challenges regarding their connection and how they coexist in a scientifically understood universe governed by the laws of nature.
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Cartesian dualism is a philosophical concept proposed by René Descartes, which argues that the mind and body are two distinct entities. The mind, or soul, is immaterial and related to thinking, consciousness, and emotions, while the body is physical and subject to the laws of nature. This separation suggests that mental processes and physical actions can exist independently of each other. For instance, you can experience thoughts or feelings without them directly affecting your physical state. This idea has sparked much debate about how the mind and body interact in human functioning.