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Mind and Brain: Identity Theory

The document discusses three theories of the relationship between the mind and brain: 1. Identity theory proposes that the mind and brain are identical, with mental states being brain states. However, studies show the mind can exist without the brain. 2. Functionalism views the mind as a collection of functional states that can be implemented in different physical systems, analogous to software. But it cannot fully explain intentionality and qualia. 3. Dualism posits that the mind and brain are two separate entities, as mental states are private while brain states are not. It argues the mind is a non-physical substance distinct from the brain.

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66 views2 pages

Mind and Brain: Identity Theory

The document discusses three theories of the relationship between the mind and brain: 1. Identity theory proposes that the mind and brain are identical, with mental states being brain states. However, studies show the mind can exist without the brain. 2. Functionalism views the mind as a collection of functional states that can be implemented in different physical systems, analogous to software. But it cannot fully explain intentionality and qualia. 3. Dualism posits that the mind and brain are two separate entities, as mental states are private while brain states are not. It argues the mind is a non-physical substance distinct from the brain.

Uploaded by

Rahul c
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MIND AND BRAIN

The brain is a structure, unlike the mind. In other words, the brain is a
transformer and the mind is a foundation for your experiences and
imaginations. The brain takes in the information through your senses and
converts it into a form of experience, and it becomes a part of your personality
and character. There are theories to explain the brain and the mind.

1. Identity theory: The most simple theory of the mind. It just says the mind
and the brain are identical. The mental states are just the brain states.
Arguments of identity theory are given below
 Simplicity is the first argument. It focuses on the fact that don’t
propose an extra substance unless required. It says the simplest
explanation is the best explanation. We use simplicity as a value in
science and philosophy.
 The success of scientific reduction is the second argument. For
example, lightning is identical to massive electric shock. It is reduced
to electrical phenomena.
 The third argument is the intimate connection of the brain states and
mind states. The identity theory has some support from
neuroscience. Phinea Gage during the mid-1800s suffered an
accident and his behaviour changed a lot. He started cussing which
he didn’t do in the past. He became very rude to the people whom to
which previously he had been friendly. It proves that the physical
change in the brain can affect the mind.
However, there are criticisms on the identity theory. The studies found that
the mind can be maintained even though we replace the brain. So the brain
cannot be the mind. So the identity theory is incorrect.

2. Functionalism: According to this theory the mind is a collection of


function states in a physical medium. For understanding this theory we
must have the knowledge of function and stuff. The stuffs are things whose
physical composition matters, not the size and shape. For example
doorstop, mousetrap, and lecterns are examples of the function. It can be
made of anything, but its function is important. The mind is a functional
concept. The functionalists believe that the brain is a type of material that
allows the mind to function. For example, the computers and water pipes
connected appropriately in a complex way can perform interactions that

1
the neurons do. Since the brain has over 100 billion neurons, it's difficult to
build a computer that is capable of behaving like a human. The software
analogy can be used to explain this theory. The environment affects the
mind through the body. Here the environment is the input and, processing
takes place through the interactions with the mental states. The response in
the body is analogous to the output. The mind is more like software running
on the computer. The arguments of this theory are stated below.
 The mind is closely associated with the brain. For example, damage
in the brain can cause problems in running the mind.
 We could have a mind without a brain as in the androids.
 The computing theory and artificial intelligence theories provide an
excellent model for the mind.
However, there are criticisms on the functionalism theory. The first problem
is intentionality. It can be explained by John Searle’s Chinese room
experiment. His experiment led to the statement that the mind is not
merely a matter of functionality. The functionalism theory lacks
intentionality. The second problem is qualia. To explain the qualia we can
use the inverted spectrum. For example, there exists somebody who sees
the colours differently. Even though the colour he/she sees is blue
according to our reference, he/she can be taught that the colour he/she
sees is green. The conclusion is that the function of the mind is the same,
but the qualitative experience of the mind is not the same. It proves
physicalism is false.

3. Dualism: It states that two things can exist together, but remain as two
different entities. Like heads and tails of a coin. Similarly, the brain and the
mind can be explained. The mind states have the property of our having
private access to them, but the brain states don’t have. So the brain and
mental states do not have all properties in common. So, the mind is not
identical to the brain. Then the mind is an immaterial substance.

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