Philosophy and psychology are two disciplines and principles in our day to day living that have sought to understand and explain the various aspects in our day to day living that directly and indirectly affect our day to day living. However, it is necessary to note that the two, independent disciplines have constantly differed in their opinions towards various topics and subjects. This is, mainly, due to the fact that both have different approaches to these two fields. Consequently, the different perceptions from which they view the common topic lead to differences in their opinions and conclusions, which in most cases, these two opinions and conclusions are normally justified. One of the factors that have been debated for a long time concerning their separable nature and inseparability are the mind and the body.
The main reason why these two have led to developed debates and disagreements is due to the fact that the mind has been mainly addressed from a psychological perspective, while the body has been addressed from a physiological perspective. Consequently, different parties have held different opinions and conclusions concerning the separable nature of the body and the mind. However, one essential thing to note concerning the body and the mind is the fact that they are brought together by the nervous system, and this is the greatest linking factor between the two. In this case, therefore, as a result of repeated reactions, reactors and body stimuli, the brain has been compelled to react in a given way, in order to counter the stimulation. This is as a result of a repeated exercise. Consequently, the brain is compelled to trigger the mind in reacting in a given manner, which in this case, is referred to as cognitive memory. This is the linking aspect between the mind and the body, and the factors that many psychologists and philosophers have used to promote and affirm the relationship and inseparable nature of the two. According to Descartes, the mind and the body are the same being, and are, therefore, inseparable (Descartes 12).
In most of his writing, Descartes has had a tendency of classifying and identifying the body to the mind, and grouping them into one inseparable entity, as he explains that the body and the mind are the two basic aspects that contribute to and develop a person’s identity. In this case, for example, the most essential factor o note in this case is the fact that he has not compared the two as independent aspects. Rather, he has grouped them into one interdependent as aspect, which looks upon the other for effective management and execution of activities. This is necessary to note, since both parties are directly related to each other and connected by the nervous system, as earlier indicated. In order to understand the mind-body relationship, it is necessary to look at it from four different, distinct dimensions. These play a major role in understanding the relationship that exists between the two, and also the factor that makes them dependent upon each other.
These perspectives are the biological connection. From the biological connection, it is evident that the chemicals that are produced from the body (which are in this case the hormones) are a great contributor to the reactions that will take place in the body. A good example is the high level production of progesterone and estrogen in teenage females and males, respectively. This production determines and affects their behavior and reaction towards various aspects that affect their day to day living. For example, excessive production of the same triggers increased physical and mental activities, affects and influences their moods and perception, as well as their outlook towards various day to day living activities. The proof to this is the similarity between different people within different age groups. Among the young people (adolescents) for example, some of the observations include defiance and rebellion, which is mentally triggered and consistently maintained.
The second perspective from which one should look at the inseparable nature of the mind and the body is the psychological perspective. From the psychological perspective, it is evident that the body might be differently influenced and motivated to take part in various activities as a result of the mental opinion and approach towards the activity. For example, in reading cases, one might be inwardly or intrinsically triggered to read a book or revise for an exam due to the desire to quench the thirst of knowledge. In such a case, the body will be in a subconscious process to fight distracting factors, such as sleep, tiredness and boredom. However, the case is different in cases where one lacks the intrinsic motivation to read the same book, or revise for an exam. In such a case, other distractors, such as sleep, boredom and even lack of interest might lead the person not to revise, even in cases whereby all sorts of extrinsic motivation, such as a quite environment, a comfortable couch or a cup of coffee might be available. The distraction in this case, will be as a result of poor coordination between the mind and the body, leading to futile results.
The third perspective is the soul/spirit perspective, and according to Descartes, this is the view that the body and the mind cannot be separable, due to the fact that the body cannot function on its own without the existence of the mind, whereas the mind too, cannot effectively carry out and execute its strategies without the involvement of the body, this is the view that most psychologists and philosophers have agreed to, since it makes practical and applicable sense. As a result, Descartes has argued that both the mind and the body are interdependent upon each other, since execution of their activities can only be effective and applicable with the involvement of each other (Descartes 66).
Lastly, the organism approach is the fourth perspective from which the body and the mind have been viewed as inseparable. In this case, both are the basic components of an organism, whereby each has its own distinctive roles to carry out, in order to make sure that there is effective coordination between the two. Separating them from each other will lead to separation of the founding blocks of an organism, which will lead to loss of life. With the loss of life, both the mind and the body will be rendered futile, and ineffective on their own.
Hume on the other hand, however, believes that the mind and the body are two different and independent entities. In his enquiries, for example, concerning the understanding of human beings, he explains that the mind and the body are two independent entities, whose performance is as a result of self-motivation (Hume 44). At the same time, he explains that the circumstances and situations under which both the body and the brain are exposed to determine and affect how effectively these two will stand as independent entities with individual identity. For instance, he has discussed aspects such as ideas and concepts that fail to be brought to completion, due to the fact that the body fails to synthesize and act on the brain’s command.
Works Cited
Descartes, Ren. Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy. New York: BN Publishing, 2007. Print.
Hume, David. An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding. Ed. Eric Steinberg Pub: Hackett, 2002. Print.
