Descartes Substance Dualism Theory

Based upon the belief that the mind and body are two separate entities, philosophers, such as Rene Descartes, support the Substance Dualism theory of mind, arguing that the mind, which is a thinking entity, may exist without the body, which is a physical extension, because it is its own individual substance of matter. In Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy, he puts all concepts of previous certainty into question, intentionally leaving the reader with skepticism towards the concept of knowledge and mental capacity at large. Further, he continues to contend that the mind is distinctly different than the body and can be innovated due to its ability to think, whereas the body is merely a tangible and measureable dimension with no greater abilities, such as thinking or experiencing emotion. Additionally, Descartes further describes the ideas held by Substance Dualists through detailing that under this theory of mind, all entities are
classified as either mind or body, but a being may possess both. Therefore, he argues that the mind and body are clearly and distinctly different substances, and can be conceived of as independent entities. Substance Dualism is a founding theory within the various theories of mind and has a greater lasting significance as it initiated the movement of Western philosophy. Additionally, it gave rise to the problem of explaining how mental states relate to physical states, known as the mind-body problem, which is still in discussion amongst philosophers and psychologists today. Ultimately, Substance Dualists contend that the human mind is different in both nature and substance from the human brain, and therefore even after the brain ceases to exist, the mind continues to exist, as it is a unique and independent entity not reliant upon physical dimensions.
Descartes proposes the notion that the body and the mind are distinctly and inherently different properties because they can be conceived and explained independently. Substance Dualists argue that through the mind, an individual can articulate meaningful thoughts regarding their emotions and perceptions without referencing physical entities, or the brain in specific. Furthermore, Descartes explains, substances identify and discuss properties in correlation with its intrinsic qualities and principles. Since the body relates with physical extensions, it is a representation of physical properties. Meanwhile, mind relates with the concept of thinking and resultantly relates with non-physical properties. Therefore, since the mind relates to intangible properties, while the brain is connected with physical extensions, the mind is not attached to the brain in regards to a lasting presence. Specifically, even when a human being dies and their brain ceases to function, an individuals mind continues to exist because it did not have a finite enmeshment into the human body as did the brain. Additionally, Substance Dualists further explain that these differing substances provide different modes or functions.
For example, the mind provides functions such as thinking, doubting, hating, or desiring. In contrast, the body or brain are mere physical extensions, and simply represent how a person is shaped or the color of their skin. The body and brain do not provide contributions to the mental functioning of a being, and simply provide a physical platform under which the mental, and its own capacities of thought and contemplation, may be housed. As an extension, all things in the universe may be qualified as a body, a physical entity, or a mind, a thinking entity. Additionally, a mind does not need a body to provide it shelter, and regardless of ever having a body, a mind will exist for eternity because it lacks the characteristics of a physical entity, which cause it to degenerate. In conclusion, Substance Dualists perceive the mind and body as separate and distinct substances due to their unique abilities and
properties.