Chapter 4 was, in my opinion (and it's clear this is a shared opinion among many in the class), too confusing. There were many topics to consider. I am sure I'd get more out of it if I went back and read it again, but since it's Sunday (my book went missing for a few days...) I know I need to post something. So I decided to share my views on 'Dualism'.

If you are a believer in any kind of "life after death" or "the hereafter", I guess you might naturally identify with the nature of Dualism. Since it's obvious the body does go with us to the afterlife (we forsake all material possessions, body included, hence the phrase "you can't take it with you"), if you believe in such a physical location in the first place, something must separate from the body upon death. This idea pretty much supports the theory of Dualism. But after reading this section in the book, I was left wondering just what happens when (and if, considering some cultures and religions do not believe in an afterlife) our mind separates from the physical being. Do we feel pain? Do we even know what's going on? Since our brain itself is left behind on earth, how can we retain memories, feelings, and experiences? If you consider the belief of reincarnation, the spirit or soul must take some experiences with "it" after death. It's just a matter of figuring out what we can take with us, and what we cannot.

Mind and body, together, form fabulous human beings. It's clear to me that they are two very separate "things", but I am not sure if one can really function without the other. The body can't function without the spirit; otherwise the deceased would still be wandering about the living. On the other hand, we can keep a body alive with the use of modern technology or "life support". So how can the spirit function without the body? Perhaps both are truly separate things, but that doesn't mean they are both equal.

As for the physical location of the mind, I think Descartes really cooked his own goose when he tried to figure that one out.

-Allie-