Identity of Physicalism Physicalism has many forms and lens to look through. Physicalism believes the mind is part of the body and nothing else. Physicalist believe in the facts of science and that everything can be explained, even the mind with science. In this, the singular philosophical belief of identity will be explored through science and the simplicity of understanding of the brain. With science behind physicalism that simplifies the mind and the world down to an atomic level. Physicalist can explain why H2O has many forms, “For example, H2O can take on the form of a gas (steam), a solid (ice), or a liquid (water).... their physical properties, these forms are all essentially the same substance.” (Lawhead p. 82). As the same with
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In the case of identity, Phineas Cage was a man injured during a work accident and had a metal rod that was almost as tall as he that went through his skull and came out the other side. Phineas Cage survived the horrific accident, but the damage to his brain changed his entire personality. If his friends and family who saw the change in Cage and asked a doctor why he was no longer the same, the most unhelpful approach would be for the doctor to reply back with the theory of substance dualism. If the doctor said that Cage's mind is no longer in his body, how would his family and friends react to a complicated answer? It is doubtful that it would be received with acceptance. If the doctor, however used the identity theory instead to explain why he was no longer the person that they knew, by explaining in a simply scientific way it is highly likely to be accepted by his loved ones. Phineas Cage is not the only one to suffer from personality change or in this case memory loss. Kay Delaney had a work-related accident, like Cage. Delaney hit her head and after waking up believes she is still in the 1990’s and is in her 30s (Dailymail). Delaney’s mind is still there, but it is not connecting with the body like the identity theory states that it should. The identity theory says the mind and body should be one in the same. Delaney’s mental state can be explained simply by saying she has retrograde amnesia. By stating the simple fact of the mind, it is easier to understand and
In the case of identity, Phineas Cage was a man injured during a work accident and had a metal rod that was almost as tall as he that went through his skull and came out the other side. Phineas Cage survived the horrific accident, but the damage to his brain changed his entire personality. If his friends and family who saw the change in Cage and asked a doctor why he was no longer the same, the most unhelpful approach would be for the doctor to reply back with the theory of substance dualism. If the doctor said that Cage's mind is no longer in his body, how would his family and friends react to a complicated answer? It is doubtful that it would be received with acceptance. If the doctor, however used the identity theory instead to explain why he was no longer the person that they knew, by explaining in a simply scientific way it is highly likely to be accepted by his loved ones. Phineas Cage is not the only one to suffer from personality change or in this case memory loss. Kay Delaney had a work-related accident, like Cage. Delaney hit her head and after waking up believes she is still in the 1990’s and is in her 30s (Dailymail). Delaney’s mind is still there, but it is not connecting with the body like the identity theory states that it should. The identity theory says the mind and body should be one in the same. Delaney’s mental state can be explained simply by saying she has retrograde amnesia. By stating the simple fact of the mind, it is easier to understand and