Mind-Body Philosophy Season 1 Episode 6

Ep 6. How Descartes Divided Mental from Physical

  • TV-PG
  • January 6, 2017
  • 30 min

In season 1 episode 6 of Mind-Body Philosophy, titled "How Descartes Divided Mental from Physical," viewers are taken on a journey through the philosophical teachings of René Descartes, one of the most renowned philosophers of the modern era. The episode explores how Descartes' theories on the separation of the mind and body have influenced the way we understand the relationship between our mental and physical selves.

Through a series of expert analyses and thought-provoking discussions, Mind-Body Philosophy delves into the origins of Descartes' teachings, examining how his belief in the fundamental separation of mind and body gave rise to a new kind of dualism that continues to be debated today. Viewers will learn about the role that Descartes played in shaping the field of philosophy and will come away with a deeper understanding of how his ideas have influenced our modern understanding of the mind-body problem.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will learn about Descartes' most famous contribution to philosophy, the "Cogito" argument, which posits that the only thing we can be sure of is our own existence as thinking beings. This argument forms the basis for Descartes' dualism, which suggests that the mind and body are two separate substances that interact with one another. Mind-Body Philosophy explores the implications of this theory, asking questions about how our thoughts and physical sensations are related and examining the ways in which the mind and body can both affect our experiences of the world.

Throughout the episode, viewers will also be introduced to a number of key figures in the history of philosophy, including Aristotle, who believed that the mind and body were inseparable, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who rejected Descartes' dualism in favor of a monist view that sees the mind and body as different aspects of the same substance. These discussions give viewers a sense of the broader philosophical context in which Descartes' ideas emerged and show how they have continued to shape philosophical discourse over the centuries.

Towards the end of the episode, Mind-Body Philosophy turns its attention to the significance of Descartes' teachings for modern medicine and psychology. Many of the theories and practices that we take for granted today, such as the separation of mental and physical health, can be traced back to Descartes' dualism. The episode explores these connections, looking at the ways in which our understanding of the relationship between mind and body has influenced the development of modern medicine and psychological therapies.

Overall, season 1 episode 6 of Mind-Body Philosophy is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the ideas of René Descartes and their impact on modern philosophy, medicine, and psychology. Through a combination of expert analysis and engaging discussions, viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the mind-body problem and the ways in which Descartes' dualism continues to shape our understanding of the world around us.

Description
Watch Mind-Body Philosophy - How Descartes Divided Mental from Physical (s1 e6) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Mind-Body Philosophy, Season 1 Episode 6, is available to watch and stream on The Great Courses Signature Collection. You can also buy, rent Mind-Body Philosophy on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hoopla online.
  • First Aired
    January 6, 2017
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    30 min
  • Language
    English