Dualism versus materialism (Identity)

by dhw, Monday, July 03, 2017, 13:08 (2479 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: Yes, with our material brain using our immaterial consciousness. I view it all as seamless. The material has to interact with the immaterial, even if you are apparently looking for a separation.

dhw: Which alternative have you said yes to? Let me help you. Here is a dualistic proposal: our ideas (e.g. the idea of sharpening stones in order to use them as tools) are the product of our immaterial soul. This interacts with our material brain, which provides the immaterial soul with information and which enables the immaterial soul to give material form to its ideas (e.g. by getting the body to make and use tools). Do you accept this proposal?

DAVID: As long as my soul/me is in charge of this seamless mechanism, I'm OK with your statement. I view me, in life, as material with my soul onboard in my brain as immaterial.

Thank you. Just one more contradiction in your reply. My soul/me does not mean “me as material”! “You” in life consist of your body and your soul, but it is your soul that is in charge. Therefore – according to your dualistic beliefs – it must be the immaterial soul that comes up with immaterial ideas and directs your material brain to implement them materially. This is the point we are discussing on the “big brain” thread, and I shall refer back to it.