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The mind is a fascinating entity. Where, after all, would we be without it? But what exactly is it? These days many people believe the mind simply is the brain. Descartes would have disagreed profoundly. He recommended a dualism of substance. Modern philosophers are again finding various forms of dualism attractive because the problems with physicalism are so intractable. One such problem is whether the mind, like the brain, is located in space (specifically inside the head). But does philosophy have anything sensible to say about the mind? Surely today it is scientists we should be listening to? Come and find out why this is – and always will be – false.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ philosophy of mind overview • mind–brain relationship • critiques of identity theory and physicalism • non-reductive physicalism challenges • dualism and alternative theories • reframing core questions • audience Q&A discussionThis podcast offers an introductory “romp” through central debates in the philosophy of mind, focusing on what minds are and how (or whether) they relate to brains. Using classic points of contrast such as Descartes’ substance dualism and contemporary physicalist approaches, it examines the claim that the mind simply is the brain and investigates why many philosophers think that position faces persistent difficulties.
Across the episodes, the discussion centers on major physicalist theories and the objections raised against them. It considers identity theory—the view that mental states are identical to brain states—and explores why that straightforward identification is argued to fall short. It then turns to non-reductive forms of physicalism, which try to preserve a broadly physicalist worldview while resisting the reduction of mental phenomena to purely physical descriptions, and surveys the problems these approaches encounter.
Building on these challenges, the podcast explores alternative positions for those who find physicalism unconvincing, including renewed interest in varieties of dualism and related non-physicalist options. A recurring theme is the question of whether the mind is located in space in the way the brain is (for example, “in the head”), and what philosophical analysis can contribute to that issue.
The series also steps back to reflect on whether standard framing of mind–body questions may itself be misguided, and it concludes with an audience-oriented question-and-answer discussion that addresses concerns and clarifies the arguments developed throughout.
| Episodes: |
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Part 5: Questions and Answers 2012-Apr-10 67 minutes |
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Part 4: Are We Asking the Wrong Questions? 2012-Feb-07 82 minutes |
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Part 3: If Physicalism Won't Work, What is the Alternative? 2012-Feb-07 67 minutes |
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Part 2: Non-Reductive Physicalisms and the Problems they Face 2012-Feb-07 91 minutes |
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Part 1: Identity Theory and Why it Won't Work 2012-Feb-07 90 minutes |