The Mind-Body Problem

The Mind-Body Problem: A Psychobiological Approach examines the mind-body problem from a psychobiological perspective. It intends to show that the idea of a separate mental entity is not only unwarranted by the available data and the existing psychological models, but collides head-on with the most fundamental ideas of all modern science and is thus a stumbling block to progress. The book abandons ordinary language in favor of the state space language, which is mathematically precise and is shared by science and scientific philosophy.

Comprised of 10 chapters, this monograph begins with an overview of the mind-body problem and its main proposed solutions, classified into main genera: psychophysical monism and psychophysical dualism. In particular, ten views on the mind-body problem are analyzed, along with three main varieties of materialism with regards to the problem: eliminative, reductive (or leveling), and emergentist. The discussion then turns to the notion of a concrete or material system, based on the assumption that behavior is an external manifestation of neural processes. Subsequent chapters explore the specific functions of the central nervous system; sensation and perception; behavior and motivation; memory and learning; thinking and knowing; and consciousness and personality. The book also considers sociality and social behavior in animals before concluding with an assessment of a psychological explanation of the mind, with emphasis on dualism and monism.

This work will be of interest to students, academicians, practitioners, and investigators in the fields of psychobiology, psychology, neurophysiology, and philosophy.

Contenu

Preface

Introduction

1. The Mind-Body Problem

   1. The Problem and its Main Proposed Solutions

   2. Preliminary Examination of Rival Views

   3. Pro Dualism

   4. Contra Dualism

   5. Emergentist Psychoneural Monism

   6. Brief History

2. The Organ

   1. Basic Framework

   2. Neural Units

   3. Neuronism, Holism, Systemism

   4. Development and Evolution

   5. Initial Definitions

   6. Basic Assumptions on Plasticity

   7. Is the CNS a Machine?

3. The Functions

   1. Brain Functions

   2. Representation of CNS Activity

   3. Mental States and Processes

   4. Mind-Matter Interaction

   5. Where is the Mind?

   6. Mentalist Predicates

4. Sensation and Perception

   1. Sensors and Sensing

   2. Perception

   3. Interlude: Ding an Sich Versus Ding Für Uns

   4. Perceptual Maps

   5. Visual Adaptation and Pattern Recognition

   6. Abnormal Perception

5. Behavior and Motivation

   1. Definitions and Principles

   2. Drive, Value, Choice

6. Memory and Learning

   1. Memory

   2. Learning

   3. Expectation and Purpose

   4. Nature and Nurture

7. Thinking and Knowing

   1. Thinking

   2. Cognition

   3. Creativity

   4. The "World" of the Creations of the Human Mind

8. Consciousness and Personality

   1. Awareness and Consciousness

   2. Degrees of Consciousness

   3. Will

   4. Self

   5. Person

9. Sociality

   1. Social Behavior

   2. The Cement of Social Groups

   3. Communication

   4. Protoeconomy, Protoculture, Protopolity

   5. Humanness

   6. Upshot

10. Conclusion: Towards Understanding Mind

    1. Types of Psychological Explanation

    2. The Threat of Dualism and the Promise of Monism

Epilogue: A Behavioral Approach

Glossary of Technical Terms

Bibliography

Index of Names

Index of Subjects