Site • RSS • Apple PodcastsDescription (podcaster-provided):
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 • Dualism and Physicalism debates • Identity Theory critique • Alternatives to Physicalism • Non-Reductive Physicalism challenges • Audience Q&A • Further exploration resourcesThis podcast, "A Romp Through the Philosophy of Mind," explores various philosophical perspectives on the nature and essence of the mind. The overarching theme investigates whether the mind is synonymous with the brain, a question that has intrigued thinkers for centuries. The show delves into philosophical debates, contrasting the materialist viewpoint that equates the mind with the brain, with dualism, which posits a distinction between the two.
Descartes' substance dualism is highlighted as a historical perspective, while modern discussions indicate a resurgence of dualistic theories due to difficulties with physicalism. Throughout the podcast, various forms of physicalism are examined, particularly focusing on identity theory and non-reductive physicalisms, along with their associated challenges. Philosophical inquiry is positioned as crucial to these discussions, questioning the sufficiency of purely scientific approaches in understanding the mind.
The series encourages listeners to consider alternatives to physicalism and to question whether current inquiries into the nature of the mind are correctly framed. The episodes provide a platform for deeper reflection, engaging with philosophical questions that remain unanswered by contemporary science. The podcast also includes a question and answer session, allowing interaction and discussion, and offers guidance for further exploration of the subject matter.
Throughout, the listener is invited to consider enduring philosophical questions and to challenge commonly held assumptions about the relationship between the mind and the brain. This podcast seeks to highlight the significance of philosophical inquiry in unraveling the complexities of the mind, emphasizing the persistent relevance of these questions.
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Part 1: Identity Theory and Why it Won't Work 2012-Feb-07 90 minutes |
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Part 1: Identity Theory and Why it Won't Work (Slides) 2012-Feb-07 |
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Part 2: Non-Reductive Physicalisms and the Problems they Face 2012-Feb-07 91 minutes |
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Part 2: Non-Reductive Physicalisms and the Problems they Face (Slides) 2012-Feb-07 |
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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 3: If Physicalism Won't Work, What is the Alternative? (Slides) 2012-Feb-07 |
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Part 4: Are We Asking the Wrong Questions? 2012-Feb-07 82 minutes |
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Part 4: Are We Asking the Wrong Questions? (Slides) 2012-Feb-07 |
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Part 5: Questions and Answers 2012-Apr-10 67 minutes |
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Further reading and more... (Other Resource) 2012-Apr-16 |