Single Idea 23222

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 8. Dualism of Mind Critique]

Full Idea

I would find it easier to concede matter and extension to the soul than to concede that an immaterial thing could move and be moved by a body.

Gist of Idea

A soul with physical extension is more likely than an immaterial soul that moves bodies

Source

Elizabeth, Princess of Bohemia (Letters to Descartes [1643], p.42), quoted by Matthew Cobb - The Idea of the Brain 2

Book Reference

Cobb,Matthew: 'The Idea of the Brain' [Penguin 2020], p.42


A Reaction

Very nicely expressed! I'm trying to imagine a ghost which finds itself stuck with a physical body which it has to drag around like a reluctant dog. She is stating the classic interaction problem which plagues all mind-body dualism.