Mind and Brain: A Dialogue on the Mind-Body Problem

by Rocco J. Gennaro

This lively dialogue provides a clear and compelling overview of the mind-body problem suitable for both introductory students and those who have some background in the philosophy of mind. Topics include immortality; materialism; Descartes' 'Divisibility Argument' for dualism; the 'Argument from Introspection'; the problems with dualism; the interaction between mind and brain; parallelism; the 'type/token' distinction within materialism; recent arguments against materialism and its ability to explain consciousness; the epistemological problem of other minds; the nature of inductive knowledge; and the 'Inverted Spectrum Argument.' Also included are a list of study questions designed to enhance classroom discussion and to serve as a resource for the development of paper topics, and an index of key terms.

Genres: Philosophy

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Zoe Gerolemou · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person with no background in the philosophy of mind and philosophy in general, I found this book to be an excellent and easy-to-read introduction to the mind-body problem. It presents three different schools of thought on the issue (Materialism, Dualism and Skepticism) in the form of a conversation between three philosophy graduate students (Mary the Materialist, Dave the Dualist and Steve the Skeptical) at a bar. It explains all the different concepts and arguments thoroughly and clearly with the provision of examples. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to introduce themselves and delve into this branch of philosophy, no matter what their background and previous knowledge is.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, lucid introduction to the mind body problem in the philosophy of mind. The discussion hinges on the question, "Is my mind identical to my brain?" or, to be more precise, "Are states of mind identical to brain states?" It generates serious doubts about dualism (the theory that the mind and brain are two distinct things, the former being immaterial) but materialism (in this case, the idea that mind states are identical to brain states) is critiqued as well. A short book that is definitely worth a read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

KSSK

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the differing philosophical views surrounding the "mind-body problem." It's a quick and easy read (only 67 pages long) and has a badass "Further Readings" section, as well. I love the way Gennaro formats Mind and Brain as a conversation between three philosophy grad students at a bar, with Mary the materialist, Dave the dualist, and Steve the skeptic duking it out over pertinent theories of mind. Fun, fun, fun!

[Alexander Rolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

succinct and accessible presentation of the issues