To put an end to our Unit 4, dear students in our Philosophy course, I want you to do the following tasks:
- You have to study section 4 in our booklet, pages 10-14.
- Please, have a look at the several video clips linked.
- Exercise 13, p. 14.
- Please answer the following questions:
- Descartes' substance dualism or dualist interactionism set the standard for any modern dualism, but although quite popular, it raised some problems. One of its critics was the English philosopher Gilbert Ryle, who called Descartes' view "The ghost in the machine". Please, explain the meaning of this expression. [Minimum: 80 words.]
- In his late years, Leibniz developed a strange metaphysical position called 'Monadology' which is explained on page 13. A key point in it is the concept of 'pre-established harmony'. Try to explain it, providing an example of how it works. [You may need to look for additional information. Minimum: 100 words.]
Deadline: Friday, April 3, 11 a.m.
Via: email (directly writing the answer o, preferably, in an attached document).
Please, don't hesitate to ask questions or add comments below this very post.
Hello hyacinth, I have not understood Leiniz's theory. Specially the term monads
ResponderEliminarHello, I don´t understand what does mean that substances are also understood by contrast with properties.
ResponderEliminarI have another doubt. According to Leibniz's theory, since we know nothing about anyone and nothing, are thoughts also programmed?
ResponderEliminarConcerning the last question, dear Manuel, you are posing a very interesting problem, related with the determinism and fate. Leibniz didn't recognise our thoughts are entirely pre-programmed, as it would mean a lack of free will, and he tends to propound pre-established harmony just to talk about interactions between monads. But as long as any act is the outcome of some sort of thought or will, we may conclude our thoughts are in fact programmed and our free will is seriously jeopardised.
ResponderEliminarThanks for the answer!
Eliminar