Think, pair, Share Is this the same person?

Dualism

Learning Outcomes To be able to understand the concept of dualism. To be able to analyse views on what makes us human.

There is a variety of ideas about survival after death In our children In our “works” In the memory of others The soul The body Reincarnation

What do dualists think? A dualist believes that there are two main aspects to human beings, a physical body and a non physical soul. The physical outer shell which, in time, will decay and the soul which is immortal after death. Although the two are linked whilst the person is alive. The opposite view is known as monism and materialism

‘Cogito ergo sum’ – Rene Descartes (1596-1650)

What do you think the soul is? Identity and the Soul Consider what questions we can ask on the Soul. Write list of questions about the soul. e.g. What makes a person? What do you think the soul is?

Research Aristotle’s view on the soul. Quotes on dualism Read through the quotes! Consider who you think said each one and fill in the blanks. Extension task: Research Aristotle’s view on the soul.

If someone had a brain transplant how would they be different? Think, Pair, Share If someone had a brain transplant how would they be different?

Is our identity only the result of memories and actions in the mind? Bernard Williams argued that memories and personality are not a good guide to identity as they can be fabricated. He believed identity comes from personal characteristics as well. As identity comes from the way we recognise each other. Without our bodies we cannot recognise each other.

Is Dualism Correct? Number yourselves on your table. Move round your table and share a your reasons! If you are an even number give a reason why someone would agree. If you are an odd number give a reason why someone would disagree.

Is Dualism correct? Yes No There is no place in the brain where electric stimulation can cause a person to believe or decide. Although our thoughts can be true or false our brain states cannot be true or false. Nobody can tell what we are thinking by measuring brain waves. We must be asked what we are thinking. Mental events have subjective qualities such as what does it feel like, Sensations like these really cannot be reduced to something physical. What about the causal effects between mind and body? We know there are things that we do to the body that effect the mind. Modern science has shown links between the mind and the brain, so how can it survive on its own? If minds are non-physical objects, how can the mind cause anything to happen in the physical world?

Extension task: Research and add Dawkins’ view on the soul. Dualism – The Debate Complete the speech bubbles to show a potential debate on Dualism. You must include philosopher views as well as opinions from the class. Extension task: Research and add Dawkins’ view on the soul.

Think, Pair, Share A: Soul B:Materialism A: Monism B: Dualism

Consciousness: An Introduction Read through Chapter 1 and 2 of Blackmore’s book. Create a mind map of the key information and key philosophers.