Cartesian Dualism: The Mind-Body Problem in Self-Improvement
Is Our Mind Independent From Our Body?
“Cogito ergo sum. (I think, therefore I am).”— Rene Descartes
Descartes’ theory of dualism implies that the mind is not accessible to us. This means that we cannot fully understand what goes on in our minds, let alone others. He also believed the soul was inaccessible to humans; we could only get an inkling of it through our senses.
Cartesian dualism is a belief that there are two different kinds of substance in the world: matter and spirit, also known as body and mind. Each one has its unique properties, functions, and capacities.
Self-improvement, according to Descartes, is only possible through a correct understanding of the mind. This is because our ability to reason sets us apart from animals. Reason allows us to reflect on our thoughts and actions. It is only by using our reason that we can improve ourselves.
The separation between body and mind enables self-improvement through introspection and logical thinking.
Descartes’ dualism has been influential in…
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