How does identity theory compare and contrast with other metaphysical theories, such as substance dualism? in Questions || Publen

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How does identity theory compare and contrast with other metaphysical theories, such as substance dualism?

Marcella Skinley

Identity theory and substance dualism are both metaphysical theories that try to understand the nature of the mind and the body and their relationship. However, they differ in their approach and ideas.

Substance dualism believes that the mind and the body are two separate substances that exist independently but interact with each other. According to this theory, the mind is a non-physical substance that controls the body. This means that the mind can survive the death of the body. Identity theory, on the other hand, suggests that the mind and the body are one and the same thing. It believes that mental states are identical to physical brain states.

While substance dualism suggests that there are two different substances, identity theory suggests that there is only one substance that can have two different aspects - the physical and the mental. For example, a thought or a feeling may be a mental aspect of a physical brain state.

Identity theory also puts forward the concept of supervenience, which means that mental properties depend on physical properties. This means that any change in the physical state of the brain would result in a change in mental states.

In contrast, substance dualism does not rely on the concept of supervenience. It believes that mental and physical states are independent and cannot affect each other directly. In this theory, changes in one substance do not necessarily correspond to changes in the other substance.

In conclusion, while both identity theory and substance dualism try to understand the relationship between the mind and the body, their approach and theories differ greatly. Identity theory believes that the mind and the body are one and the same, while substance dualism believes that they are two distinct substances. Identity theory also proposes the concept of supervenience, which is not present in substance dualism.