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Daan-nl
Initiate Usergroup: Members Joined: Nov 16, 2009 Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 12 |
 #41
The problem with the Cartesian theater theory is that it only pushes the problem deeper rather than solving it. According to the theory, a homunculus is observing all incoming perceptions (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.) and brings them together on a 'big screen' as it were, which is our subjective experience. The problem is the observing part of the homunculus. We say that we can see and hear simultaneously, because homunculus see's and hears first and binds these perceptions together. But if we use a homunculus to see, what does the homunculus use to see? Another homunculus? Ad infinitum? It seems that the discussion in this thread has taken the direction of epiphenomenalism. Namely, that there is such a thing as dualist describe as 'mind', however, that this is not made up of different stuff, but is rather a result of physical processes. Is this an accurate observation? Personally I agree with this view. Although it is of yet impossible to scientifically dismiss Cartesian dualism altogether, empirical data and philosophical logic seem to contradict the existence of a completely separate stuff from the physical. I think it is a reasonable theory to say that not everything is necessarily physical, but everything is by necessity a result of some sort of physical process. As such, Sherlock Holmes is not a physical entity, but is the result of a physical process, namely, the writing of a book. This is of course, assuming that the process of thinking (as in, thinking about how to write the book) is in itself a physical process. But I think this is a rather safe assumption to make in modern times, although unfortunately not yet sufficiently proven to put it beyond reasonable doubt for everyone. |
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