Is Dualism Best The Nature Of Consciousness Essay

Student ID Number: 00180694 November 2rd, 2016 Philosophy 101: Introduction to Philosophy Professor Bayne Dualism Best Explains the Nature of Consciousness The three theories we have discussed so far are the dualism theory of Plato and Descartes, the Aristotelian theory, and the Physicalism (identity) theory of Place and Strong. The identity of consciousness means that if you have the same consciousness, you are the same person, and if not conscience, you are not the same person. The thing that remains constant throughout all states of consciousness is that it is physically the same human being. For example, the drunk person and the sober person are the same human being, but may not be the same person. We are the same human being throughout our lives but we are not the same person, so our consciousness changes as we grow. The Aristotelian theory and the Physicalism theory of Place and Armstrong make strong points about the nature of consciousness, but Plato and Descartes’ theory of Dualism offers the best explanation of the natural state of consciousness. Aristotelian Theory Arist otle questions if the body and soul are both independent things. He claims that if affections of the soul can be separated, then the soul and body are separable. He stresses that we should think of the soul as being similar to the body. Aristotle believes that not any soul can be matched with any body. For example, an animal’s soul cannot go in a human body because they have differentShow MoreRelatedRene Descartes Concept Of Dualism And Then Defend My Preferred Alternative Among The Options Paul M. Churchland1513 Words   |  7 PagesIn this paper, I will examine the principal merits and challenges of Renà © Descartes’ concept of dualism and then defend my preferred alternative among the options Paul M. Churchland discusses. 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