Mind-body problem
Mind-body problem
The Mind-body problem (pronunciation: /ˈmīnd ˈbädē ˈpräbləm/) is a philosophical question that explores the relationship between the mind and the body, particularly the brain. It is a central issue in philosophy of mind, neuroscience, and psychology.
Etymology
The term "Mind-body problem" was first used in the 17th century by René Descartes, a French philosopher. The term "problem" in this context refers to a philosophical question or issue that needs to be solved or clarified.
Definition
The Mind-body problem refers to the question of how the mental processes and states, such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, relate to the physical processes and states of the body, particularly the brain. It involves issues such as whether the mind is distinct from the body, how mental events can cause physical events, and whether the mind can be scientifically studied.
Related Terms
- Dualism: The belief that the mind and the body are two distinct entities.
- Monism: The belief that the mind and the body are not distinct, but one entity.
- Physicalism: The belief that everything, including the mind, can be reduced to physical processes.
- Idealism: The belief that only the mind and its ideas exist, and the physical world is an illusion.
- Functionalism: The belief that mental states are defined by their function or role, not by their physical properties.
See Also
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