In “Descartes’ Myth” by Gilbert Ryle, the author proposes an argument against Descartes’ theory of dualism. Throughout the piece, Ryle states that the “official doctrine” of dualism is a mind-body separation where consciousness and physicality are completely two disjointed entities (Ryle 364). He further explains this by emphasizing the fact that mental substances cannot be quantified with a numerical value such as density or weight. Also, one’s consciousness and mind cannot be located in space or seen by other individuals since it entirely exclusive to the self. On the other hand, the body is defined as a physical substance which is governed by mechanical laws, composed of matter, and can be observed in the external world as a “public affair” …show more content…
Despite the fact that the composition of the brain is made up of atoms and obeys physical laws, I hypothesize that the processes that occur within them cannot be justified with current scientific theories. If I were to clearly define my stance on metaphysicalism, I would personally be a dualist. Consciousness cannot physically be measured by weight, abundance, or density. It is not something that we can simply quantify or label with a numerical value. Instead, it seems more likely to address it by it being present in an object or not in a categorical way. It becomes difficult to study and make conclusions about consciousness because as Ryle said, it is secretive and personal to an individual. So, it limits our possibilities by confining us to our secluded minds that only we have access to. Science does indeed provide factual justification for how our mental processes occur through synaptic impulses, neurotransmitters, and hormones. However, scientific laws can only explain the functionality of these occurrences rather than providing evidence for why these things happen and where it is derived from. Like Chalmers, I can agree that there must be more research and more analysis done in order to formulate an inclusive conclusion. As of now, I can speculate that the mind and body are completely separate from one another due to differing properties, but still remain in contact with each other through