Mind and Brain
Mind and Brain - Is There a Difference?
Lisa Fitzsimons
PHI 200
Instructor Brianne Larsen
02/20/2012
The brain is the most complex organ of the human body; scientists still have many unanswered questions about it. One question is are the mind and the brain the same entity or are they separate entities within a person’s head? It is undisputed that the actions of the mind are within the brain. But are the actions of the mind only neurological impulses sent between neurons within the brain or is the mind something more? There are two theories that will be focused upon concerning the mind/brain arguments, dualism and monism. The explanation of the functionality of the mind and brain, along with the theories of monism and dualism, will possibly help to find the answer to the question, is there a difference to mind and brain, or are they the same.
The brain is an organ that the human body cannot function without. While it is possible to live without a brain, it is not possible to live a healthy life without a brain. Without a brain or brain function one is merely “vegetable”, a living organization without the capabilities of thought or thought process. It is the hub that controls body functions, senses, processes information, and stores memory. The brain has many sections; each is responsible for a different function. The brain is divided into three major sections; the Hindbrain, the Midbrain, and the Forebrain. The Hindbrain is comprised of the spinal cord, the lower part of the brain stem, and the cerebellum. This portion of the brain controls the vital functions of breathing, heart rate, and learned bodily movements. The Midbrain is comprised of the upper part of the brain stem and it controls some of the reflexive actions, eye movement, and motor functions. The Forebrain is the largest and most developed part of the brain, also known as the Cerebrum. The Cerebrum is covered in a 1.5mm to 5 mm layer which is called a cortex. This cortex is also known as
Lisa Fitzsimons
PHI 200
Instructor Brianne Larsen
02/20/2012
The brain is the most complex organ of the human body; scientists still have many unanswered questions about it. One question is are the mind and the brain the same entity or are they separate entities within a person’s head? It is undisputed that the actions of the mind are within the brain. But are the actions of the mind only neurological impulses sent between neurons within the brain or is the mind something more? There are two theories that will be focused upon concerning the mind/brain arguments, dualism and monism. The explanation of the functionality of the mind and brain, along with the theories of monism and dualism, will possibly help to find the answer to the question, is there a difference to mind and brain, or are they the same.
The brain is an organ that the human body cannot function without. While it is possible to live without a brain, it is not possible to live a healthy life without a brain. Without a brain or brain function one is merely “vegetable”, a living organization without the capabilities of thought or thought process. It is the hub that controls body functions, senses, processes information, and stores memory. The brain has many sections; each is responsible for a different function. The brain is divided into three major sections; the Hindbrain, the Midbrain, and the Forebrain. The Hindbrain is comprised of the spinal cord, the lower part of the brain stem, and the cerebellum. This portion of the brain controls the vital functions of breathing, heart rate, and learned bodily movements. The Midbrain is comprised of the upper part of the brain stem and it controls some of the reflexive actions, eye movement, and motor functions. The Forebrain is the largest and most developed part of the brain, also known as the Cerebrum. The Cerebrum is covered in a 1.5mm to 5 mm layer which is called a cortex. This cortex is also known as
References: Gill, Sam PHD, (2009) Encore-Life: An Introduction. Retrieved from website: http://sam-gill.com/PDF/Intro%20to%20Encore-Dance.pdf GSLC (Genetic Science Learning Center) (2012) The Other Brain Cells Smart, J.J.C “Sensations and Brain Processes“ The Philosophical Review, Vol. 68, No. 2 (Apr., 1959), pp. 141-156. Retrieved from website: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2182164 . Southwell, Gareth (2012) Philosophy of Mind. Descartes and Substance Dualism. Retrieved from website: http://www.philosophyonline.co.uk/pom/pom_substance_dualism.htm http://www.philosophyofmind.info/propertydualism.html