1. Watch out for metaphysics in searching for these answers: metaphysics depends on a magical intrepretation.
2. This link will get you started on these classical questions.
http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Historical_Introduction_to_Philosophy/The_Mind-Body_Problem
Descartes wrote extensively on this, and I suspect your prof wants you to explore that body of work.
Answer this Question
Is a person more than a physical body? What is mind? What is thought?
I am having trouble finding information on the following:
1. Principal issues on these questions
2. Philosopies related to these questions (I have "I think therefore I am" --Rene Descartes)
3. Misconceptions about these questions
I don't know much about philosophy so I am needing some help. Thanks
Thanks, this site helped a lot.
I'm glad the link provided helped you in your search for information on the questions you mentioned. Let's dive into each of your points and explore how you can find the information you are looking for:
1. Principal issues on these questions:
To find the principal issues related to the questions of whether a person is more than a physical body, what the mind is, and what thought is, you can start by researching the branch of philosophy called philosophy of mind. This field focuses on understanding the nature of the mind, consciousness, and mental states. You can search for articles or books that cover topics such as dualism (the idea that the mind and body are separate entities), monism (the idea that the mind and body are fundamentally connected), identity theory, functionalism, and various other theories and perspectives on these questions.
2. Philosophies related to these questions:
You have already mentioned Rene Descartes' famous quote, "I think, therefore I am," which is a foundational idea in Cartesian dualism. While Descartes' philosophy is definitely relevant, there are many other philosophical perspectives on these questions. Some influential philosophers to explore could be John Locke, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Gilbert Ryle, and Thomas Nagel. Again, searching for articles, books, or online resources that discuss the philosophy of mind or the specific philosophers mentioned will provide you with valuable insights.
3. Misconceptions about these questions:
To identify common misconceptions about the questions you mentioned, it may be helpful to look for articles or discussions that critique or challenge different philosophical viewpoints. By examining different perspectives, you will likely come across objections, criticisms, and alternative interpretations of these questions. This process will help you better understand the nuances and complexities of the topics at hand.
Remember, philosophy involves critical thinking and engaging with different ideas and arguments. So be open to exploring various viewpoints and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. Good luck with your research!