| A Brief Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind Contributor(s): Campbell, Neil (Author) |
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ISBN: 1551116170 ISBN-13: 9781551116174 Publisher: Broadview Press Inc OUR PRICE: $30.88 Product Type: Paperback Published: January 2005 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Philosophy | Mind & Body - Philosophy | Movements - Humanism |
| Dewey: 128.2 |
| Series: Broadview Guides to Philosophy |
| Physical Information: 0.5" H x 6" W x 8.9" (0.62 lbs) 224 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The philosophy of mind is one of the most fascinating and important topics discussed by philosophers today. At the heart of the issue is what philosophers call the "mind-body problem," which is generated by a fairly simple observation about our nature: on the one hand, human beings have physical bodies that differ in complexity from other parts of the physical world. On the other hand, however, as human beings we have minds, and an ability to think, to reason, to have experiences, and to feel emotion that distinguishes us from most things in the physical world. The mind-body problem, then, is concerned with explaining the relationship between our physical bodies and our thinking, feeling minds. The purpose of this book is to explain the nature of this philosophical problem and the various solutions philosophers have proposed to it, and to do so in a way that is accessible to those who have never studied philosophy. Starting in the seventeenth century, various philosophical theories are discussed in historical order. Their central claims and motivations are clearly explained and then carefully criticized. The author does not attempt to convince the reader of the truth of any particular theory, but leaves it up to the reader to determine which theory, if any, is most plausible. Along the way, the reader will learn about a number of important philosophical concepts and several related philosophical issues. |