Overview
Part 1 - Ghost in the Machine: What is the essence of Ryle’s argument in Ghost in the Machine? What kind of argument is being presented? Rendering it into Standard Form would be fantastic, but it’s not required as such. But doing so will help you to see it more clearly and to analyze it. How would you evaluate it – do you agree or disagree with Ryle’s argument? Explain your answer. Be sure to include at least one quotation, with page #.
Part 2 - The Mind-Body Problem: After providing an overview of two kinds of dualism in the first several pages, Churchland presents 4 arguments for dualism, followed by 4 objections to dualism, and then a few arguments against dualism. Make sure that you read and re-read so that you understand the difference between substance dualism and property dualism (and of course the videos will help with general understanding of the topic and concepts).
Which of the arguments for dualism is the most compelling to you? Explain the argument in a charitable way. Next, review the objection to that argument, which will be found on the next few pages. Briefly state the objection and provide a potential reply to the objection. You are certainly welcome to state that you do not agree with the argument, but as philosophers, we should do our best to anticipate objections and replies, which is what you’ll be practicing with this activity 😊 Finally, after reviewing the arguments against dualism, share your conclusion at the moment concerning whether or not dualism – either substance or property dualism – is the most reasonable/ compelling stance, as compared to non-dualism (while knowing that as we experience more and learn new things, our conclusions may change at some point, as the Reconsideration Principle recognizes!:)
Be sure to include at least 2 references with page #s. If you directly quote the text, you must use quotation marks and you should refer to the author and page # in any case, as a reference, in parentheses.
Also: Please do your own work and use your own minds; do not just regurgitate what your classmates are writing. Most of you are doing a fantastic job, no doubt, but I have seen numerous copycats. Take time to read and reflect. Think for yourself. If you feel lost, then please email me to arrange a day/time to meet via Zoom! Plagiarism is absolutely unacceptable and will entail serious consequences if caught, so please honor your integrity and the integrity of our class by doing your own thinking and writing.