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What are some of the potential implications of accepting dualism as true, particularly for ethical and moral questions?

Dalton O'Markey

Accepting dualism as true can have significant implications for ethical and moral questions. Dualism posits that the mind and body are separate entities, and this belief can have significant effects on how we approach moral and ethical questions related to the body, such as questions related to life, death, and bodily autonomy.

One potential implication of accepting dualism is that it can lead to a devaluing of the body. If the mind is seen as the more important or superior entity, then the body may be seen as simply a vessel for the mind and therefore deemed less important in moral considerations. This might lead to a lack of concern for bodily harm or pain and a lack of consideration for issues related to bodily autonomy and consent.

Additionally, accepting dualism can lead to a focus on the afterlife and otherworldly concerns. If the mind is seen as separate from the body and immortal, then questions related to the body's well-being may be seen as less important than concerns related to the afterlife or the soul. This can lead to a lack of concern for issues related to the environment and the physical world, as well as for issues related to social justice.

Furthermore, accepting dualism can also lead to a prioritization of certain types of knowledge over others. If the mind is seen as separate from the body, then knowledge that pertains to the body may be seen as less important than knowledge related to the mind or consciousness. This can have significant implications for scientific research, medical practice, and education.

Overall, accepting dualism as true can have significant implications for ethical and moral questions related to the body and the physical world. It can lead to a devaluing of the body, a focus on otherworldly concerns, and a prioritization of certain types of knowledge over others. Therefore, it is important to critically examine and question the assumptions underlying dualism in order to develop a more holistic and compassionate understanding of the relationship between the mind and body.