Hi i need help on my philosophy essay. The question is: Which is more important to your personal identity, mind (consciousness) or matter (brain and body)?
If anyone has their own opinion on it, can yu please reply back with supporting reasons for why you chose which. Please and thank you.
2007-04-23 17:04:55 · 7 answers · asked by Shorty 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
yin and yang, you need balance (:
2007-04-23 17:10:45 · answer #1 · answered by lastwayout 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a prime example of a false dichotomy. Do we really need to explain that neither mind nor matter can exist without the other.
What we call the mind does not work independently. How well can you think while drunk, or drowsy? Or for that matter, dead?
If you cut your hand, is it not you yourself who has been cut? If you have sex, is it not you and not just your body who just had sex?
You are your body. And your body has consciousness. There is no separating the two. You are not some ghost inside a machine.
We also discussed this in class, and at that time, the movie Indecent Proposal just came out. Now Demi tried to explain to her husband that in having sex with another man "it was not me... it was just my body." But how much credit does such a statement deserve?
2007-04-23 18:41:09 · answer #2 · answered by ragdefender 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think I can help you choose which is more important, but I want you to know that I think it is an important question--particularly for understanding the history of philosophy from at least Descartes through Locke/Hume/Kant to the language philosophers and beyond. But it may be that at the end of the day we do not need to choose at all.
2007-04-23 20:06:24 · answer #3 · answered by Darrol P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question assumes that "personal identity" is a concern for all. It isn't.
I take the perspective that nothing is permanent. I have changed over time. I will likely continue to change over time. Who "I am" is merely something that is true in the moment.
2007-04-23 18:19:43 · answer #4 · answered by guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lacking brain and body - matter, one can not obtain consciousness.
Therefore it seems to me, matter is the most important.
2007-04-23 17:19:30 · answer #5 · answered by flieder77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is mind? Never matter. What is matter? Nevermind.
2007-04-24 17:48:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its better if you find your own answers.
2007-04-23 18:51:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋