The Pros And Cons Of Physical Interactionism

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The mind-body problem has astounded philosophers since the beginning of time, but many researchers actively searching for solutions to the problem are nearing their final conclusion. Many have based their theories on the mind being a nonphysical thing that simply interacts with the body, known as interactionism, and many others have used physicalism as their brand of choice, where theories claim the mind and body are both physical entities and interact with one another. Even though both theories have received high remarks from top-notch philosophers and scientists, physicalism is my preference due to modern technological advances which exhibit neurological processes occurring in the brain, the physical interaction that must occur between humans’ …show more content…

They both stated that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, which is also referred to as the Law of Conservation of Energy (Wolfram). This principle correlates with the theory that the mind is a physical thing interacting with another physical thing. This is similar to the energy necessary to push a heavy box that then receives energy to move and then creates friction and heat – the energy is transferred. A nonphysical form is incapable of housing physical energy that would cause for its interaction with a physical form (Lawhead). If the nonphysical body was holding physical energy, then it would be physical and fit within the parameters of physicalism. Science continually supports physicalism and creates an undeniable case for its existence rather than …show more content…

The 21st Century has established foundations that are conducive to diving deeper in brain science and explain more of the neurological processes that occur in humans. The amount of material that neuroscience and brain science have both discovered is mind-boggling and is continuing to develop. Furthermore, physicalism argues that the mind is physical and because it is a physical form, interaction is capable of occurring between the mind and body. This theory is supported by numerous facts, but best supported the law of conservation of energy. Interactionists claim that the mind is nonphysical and believe that near-death visions can account for the spiritual mind, but our mind has become adept at imagining scenes and figures that are believed to be real. Overall, science has only been the constant evidence in any phenomena that researchers try to apprehend; therefore, physicalism is best explained through science where the mind and brain are synonymous and

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