McGinn: Out of Body, Out of Mind
Minds and Bodies August 28, 1997 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780195113556.003.0016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that human cognitive structure may lack the resources to solve the mind-body problem. |
Abstract
Abstract Take our own nature as conscious beings—something of unique fascination to us all. We want to know, among other things, how our consciousness levers itself out of the body. We want, that is, to solve the mind-body problem, the deep metaphysical question about how mind and matter meet. But what if there is something about us that makes it impossible for us to solve this ancient conundrum? What if our cognitive structure lacks the resources to provide the requisite theory? That would be distressing news for the knowledge-manufacturing industry. And the bringer of the news might expect the opprobrium that traditionally greets the unwelcome messenger: Don’t say that.