The Metaphysics of Mind: Substance, Properties, and Views

Delve into the realm of metaphysics as it pertains to the nature of reality, with a focus on substance and properties. Explore the concepts of substance dualism, monisms like idealism and materialism, and the debate around mental properties and their relation to physical properties. Consider various theories such as property dualism and eliminative materialism in understanding the complexities of the mind-body relationship.

• Metaphysics
• Mind
• Substance
• Properties
• Philosophy

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1. The metaphysics of mind Michael Lacewing enquiries@alevelphilosophy.co.uk

2. Metaphysics What is the fundamental nature of reality? Ontology: What exists? What is the nature of what exists? What is the mind or mental properties? Start with substance and properties

3. Substance and properties A substance is an entity, a thing, that does not depend on another entity for its continued existence. It has ontological independence Substances are what possess properties. Properties can t exist without substances They depend on substances to exist. Substances persist through changes in properties

4. Substance dualism Is the mind a substance? Does it depend on the body in order to exist? E.g. can the mind exist on its own after the death of the body? Cartesian substance dualism: there are two sorts of substance, mind (or soul) and matter Minds can exist independent of bodies Mental properties are properties of a mental substance

5. Monisms Idealism: minds are the only kind of substance Whatever exists is either a mind or depends on a mind Materialism: matter is the only kind of substance Physicalism: replace matter by physical substance in light of recent physics Mental properties Intentionality, consciousness are properties of a physical substance Mental states: beliefs Mental events: thoughts, pains

6. What are mental properties? Assuming that the only substance is physical substance, are mental properties types of physical property? Type identity theory: yes, mental properties just are physical properties E.g. Thinking a thought is exactly the same thing as certain neurones firing (mind-brain type identity theory) This is reductive physicalism

7. Two views on mental properties Property dualism: mental are a completely different type of property, neither identical to, nor dependent on, physical properties They are a new type of fundamental property Eliminative materialism: There are no mental properties as we usually think of them no thoughts, no beliefs, etc. Neuroscience will provide better concepts and explanations of human beings

8. Mind is not a metaphysical question Philosophical behaviourism: mental properties = dispositions to behave in particular ways Functionalism: mental properties are dispositions to behave in particular ways and have certain other mental properties, given certain inputs from the senses and certain other mental properties