Mind and Body: A Philosophical Dilemma

Written by: Kelly L. Hunter

Throughout the centuries, the philosophical theories concerning mind and body have brought about serious debate. Early philosophers believed that human bodies were simply Earth suits that housed one’s soul and humans were much more than just a physical form or body. The human brain is probably the most complex to understand; how it functions, how it communicates with the body, and how it can ultimately help the body heal or destroy itself. The mind (soul) has been said to be eternal; it has also been said to be comprised of energies beyond human comprehension. Olivia Sabuco de Nantes believed that the connection between the body and soul are linked by way of one’s brain (Moore & Bruder, 2005). However, some early philosophers did not believe that there was a connection between the mind and the physical body. Descartes was not among those philosophers and believed that the mind and body although separate entities, capable of survival without the other, are united in the form of human beings.
“The real distinction of mind and body based on their completely diverse natures is the root of the famous mind-body problem: how can these two substances with completely different natures causally interact so as to give rise to a human being capable of having voluntary bodily motions and sensations?” (Skirry, 2006). In other words, if these two entities are truly separate then it would be intelligibly impossible to explain voluntary bodily function and movement. Another issue with mind-body theories concern “body to mind causation” or sensations. For example, the visualization of a sunset is a production of the mind. This visual sensation could be explained by the motion of indiscernible bodies that cause the eye to move which leads to movement in the optic nerve, in turn various “animal spirits” would then move about in the brain causing the sensory perception of the sunset. “Therefore, the completely different natures of mind and body seem to render their causal interaction impossible” (Skirry, 2006).
The realm of mind and consciousness is classified as “New Psychology,” the study of the mind in a scientific form but linking the study of human behavior. According to some philosophical theories, the realm of the mind is limited to time and space; however, the realm of consciousness (awareness) is eternal and infinite. The mind was once thought to be a product of the brain. This theory according to Rheault (2008) is no longer the case and in fact, has brought about further exploration of what is mind and consciousness. Take for example, Alzheimer’s disease, over time, the brain loses partial of total function; however, consciousness is never altered. “The physical mind functions provide the opportunity for that non-physical entity to learn and survive in the physical world” (Morose, 2004). If consciousness is separate from the mind (brain) and is said to be infinite, then quite possibly consciousness is much like the soul in that it lives on after death.
Moore and Bruder (2005) state that “It is worth mentioning that Sabuco also believed that the intimate connection between soul and brain means there is a close relationship between psychological and physical health and between mortality and medicine” (p. 107). I agree with this theory because it is evident that the mind can heal or destroy one’s physical form simply by the thoughts they produce. Gary Zukav (1989) suggests that “In order to develop and nurture your mind and your body, it is necessary to realize that you have a mind and a body” (p. 194). In other words, one must make a conscious effort to acknowledge the fact they have a mind and physical body. Some philosophers believe that the happier one’s thoughts are, the healthier they will be and the longer they will live. Quite possibly, negative thoughts can lead to many different types of illnesses including death. With this being said one’s thoughts are very powerful and are capable of doing things that humans cannot begin to imagine. Without thought, the brain becomes lifeless and begins to deteriorate just as the body does when the brain dies.
There has been tremendous speculation over the years regarding whether or not there is such a thing as an independent mind that transcends the physical functions of one’s body through the central nervous system. This theory has yet to be proven or disproven and the only example of this phenomenon would be meditation. Meditation has been practiced by Tibetan and Buddhist Monks for centuries and over the ages has migrated throughout the world. “Buddhist feel the reality we live in is not the ultimate one” (Cromie, 2002). Through meditation, one can lower his or her metabolism, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Few are capable of reaching the level of enlightenment experienced by Buddhist Monks; however, this is not impossible and can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and immense focus.
In conclusion, I believe humans are much more than just a physical body or shell that protects the soul. Humans are more than a mind controlling the body’s functions; they are a soul, a force greater than the body and mind alone. I believe souls live many lifetimes and one’s Karma from each life determines where his or her soul will travel after each death. In my opinion, the mind’s thoughts are signals from the universe that direct the brain and ultimately the body in the many directions that one’s soul journeys. As stated before, I believe that the mind and the body rely and depend on the other for survival; however, I do not believe that the soul depends on either of the two. In fact, I believe that the soul can survive anything on its own because the soul is an incarnate of god (the universe and nature) and is made of natural energies that flow through the cosmos eternally.




Reference(s)

Cromie, W.J. (2002). Meditation Changes Temperatures: Mind controls body in extreme experiments. The President and Fellows of Harvard College. Retrieved July 26, 2009. http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/2002/04.18/09-tummo.html

Moore and Bruder. (2005). Philosophy: The Power of Ideas. (6th ed.) McGraw-Hill. Retrieved July 25, 2009.

Morose, R. (2004). The Separation of Mind and Consciousness. Presence. Retrieved July 23, 2009. http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-9-2004-57639.asp

Rheault, R. R. (2008). What is the Realm of Mind and Consciousness?. Retrieved July 26, 2009. http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-the-Realm-of-Mind-and-Consciousness?&id=1251071

Skirry, J. (2006). Descartes: The Mind-Body Distinction. Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved July 24, 2009. http://www.iep.utm.edu/d/descmind.htm#H4

Zukav, G. (1989). The Seat of the Soul. Simon and Schuster, Inc. Retrieved July 26, 2009.