Smart oneness versus Descartes dualism

Smart oneness versus Descartes dualism

The question of whether the mind and matter are one ore distinct has been one of the most discussed philosophical issues. This paper will discuss this question by referring to J. J. C. Smart’s theory of oneness and Rene Descartes’s theory of dualism. It will thereafter, examine the relationship between Descartes’ theory of rationalism and his theory of dualism.

Smart oneness versus Descartes dualism

In his article, “Sensation and Brain Processes,” Smart presents a robust philosophical argument that everything is material. He believed that every other thing, including sensations, thoughts, and other processes that are associated with the mind, are also basically physical processes. Nothing is immaterial, not even the activities that go on in mind.

In the first pages of his article, “Sensation and Brain Processes,” he presents a stamen ‘I have a yellowish-orange after image.’ He discusses four different meanings that can be deduced from it. One of these statements and the one Smart believed is the right meaning is that when one makes such a statement, he may be reporting a brain process. By this, he meant that sensation, together with other mental activities, is identical to the brain process.

On the other hand, Rene Descartes believed in dualism, the existence of both corporeal and incorporeal world. By mere looking at himself, he derives an argument that it is clear that he does possess a body that can be perceived by touch, sight, taste, smell, and feel. He also claimed that there exists in him a mind, which is incorporeal and not identical with the body, which is the source of the movements of the body.

Following these two arguments, I feel firmly convinced by the argument presented by Descartes in his theory of dualism. The mind is capable of generating images without coming into contact with the physical image itself, mainly through deduction. It is also capable of developing knowledge through meditation and contemplation without undergoing a physical experience. Therefore, physical processes and mental processes are distinct, independent, and separated from each other, although they can complement one another.

The relationship between Descartes’ theory of rationalism and the theory of dualism

Descartes searched for knowledge that had absolute clarity and certainty. One that leaves no room for any doubt. He found that he could easily doubt whether he had a body or whether the physical world did exist. But he found it reliable and convincing reasons beyond any doubt that he did exist. These reasons, he argued, were as a result of pure mental process. He thus concluded that the whole essence of existence lies in thinking, which does not depend upon corporeal things. It is completely distinct from the body.

He believed that the mind is independent of the natural world. The fact that these two entities, the material, and the immaterial world, do exist independently enables the mind to generate objective and clear thinking free from the influence of the physical world. On the other hand, the material world can maintain its identity and remain to be what it is without the influence of the mind.

These two, the matter and mind, are the primary constituents of the creation, with each processing particular defining characteristics. The essence of the matter is extension and movement, while that of mind is thought. Neither processes the property of the other, nor can any of them be reduced to the other.

Conclusion

Yes, they do exist two worlds, that of mind and that of matter. Whether the two worlds are one or distinct, will remain to be a long philosophical argument. Whether they need to absolutely separate for them not to lose their essence is still another unresolved philosophical question.