Philosophy Concepts: Monism and Dualism

Questions and Answers

What is a key focus of functionalism in psychology?

Examining the functions of mental processes (correct)

Studying the relationship between mind and body

Analyzing individual behaviors in isolation

Understanding the structure of the mind

How does philosophical materialism differ from idealism in psychological terms?

It considers the mind to be a result of physical processes (correct)

It advocates for the separation of mind and body

It focuses solely on abstract concepts without physical implications

It emphasizes the existence of non-physical entities

Which of the following is an emphasis of structuralism in psychology?

The breakdown of mental processes into basic components (correct)

The study of psychological disorders

The environmental influence on actions

The observable behavior of subjects

What does the distinction between monism and dualism primarily address?

The relationship between mind and body Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical approach emphasizes that external, physical, and social surroundings influence behavior?

Environmental explanations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an agonist drug in relation to receptor activity?

It increases the activity at the receptor. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter function occurs after synthesis and storage in vesicles?

Binding to receptor sites. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of postsynaptic potential, what does an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) typically result in?

Partial depolarization of the neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes spatial summation in postsynaptic integration?

Merging signals from various parts of the same neuron simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the autonomic nervous system?

To oversee automatic, involuntary functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the difference between a nerve and a neuron?

A nerve consists of multiple axons; a neuron is an individual cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an antagonist drug on receptor activity?

It decreases the activity at the receptor. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'afferent' refer to in the context of the nervous system?

Nerves that direct signals toward the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

During which process do receptors open potassium channels to hyperpolarize the neuron?

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Functionalism in psychology?

Understanding the purpose of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

How does Philosophical Materialism explain the relationship between mental events and physical events?

Mental events are derived from physical events. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the concept of Monism?

Thomas Hobbes Signup and view all the answers

What aspect differentiates Realism from Idealism in philosophy?

Reality is independently perceived. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary method used in Structuralism to understand the mind?

Introspection and self-observation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the view of Dualism regarding mind and body?

They are separate entities with different characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the stance of Philosophical Empiricism?

Knowledge is acquired through sensory experience. Signup and view all the answers

Edward Titchener was primarily known for his contributions to which psychological perspective?

Structuralism Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles of Idealism, our perception of the world is influenced by what factor?

Existing knowledge and interpretations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the main idea of Monism?

Mind and body are two aspects of the same entity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Monism vs Dualism

René Descartes introduced dualism, considering mind as non-physical and body as physical.
Philosophical Dualism distinguishes mind and body as separate entities.
Materialistic Dualism asserts the mind is different but specifically physical.
Thomas Hobbes proposed monism, viewing the mind as a product of brain's physical actions.
Philosophical Monism argues mind and body are one and the same.
Philosophical Materialism states mental events derive from physical events.

Realism vs Idealism

John Locke emphasized the need to understand human mind capabilities and limits.
Philosophical Realism posits that perception is created through sensory input.
Immanuel Kant believed in innate knowledge, with experiences enhancing understanding.
Philosophical Idealism suggests perception is shaped by brain's interpretation of sensory data.

Empiricism vs Nativism

Philosophical Empiricism claims knowledge arises solely from experience, e.g., learning through personal encounters.
Philosophical Nativism argues knowledge is innate, present from birth, such as instinctual reactions.

Structuralism and Functionalism

Structuralism

Wilhelm Wundt, known as the "Father of Modern Psychology," advocated for scientific methods to study the mind.
Focused on breaking down mental processes into basic elements.
Edward Titchener, Wundt's student, promoted introspection to examine subjective experiences.

Functionalism

William James investigated the functions and purposes of consciousness, inspired by Darwin's theories.
Functionalism emphasizes the adaptive significance of mental processes for survival and reproduction.

Modern Perspectives

Psychodynamic Perspective

Jean-Martin Charcot and Pierre Janet treated hysteria with unknown physical causes.
Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, focusing on unconscious influences on behavior.
Psychoanalysis aims to provide insights into unconscious mind dynamics.

Behaviourism

Ivan Pavlov's classical conditioning showed how stimuli can evoke physical responses through learning.

Neurotransmitter Actions

Neurotransmitter processes include synthesis, storage, release, binding, and deactivation.

Drugs and Receptors

Agonists increase receptor activity; antagonists decrease it.
Direct drugs bind to the same site; indirect drugs bind to different sites.

Postsynaptic Potential

Postsynaptic potential (PSP) alters the likelihood of neuron firing; it can be excitatory (EPSP) or inhibitory (IPSP).
EPSP involves depolarization; IPSP results in hyperpolarization.

Integration of Signals

Spatial Summation merges simultaneous signals at various dendritic locations.
Temporal Summation combines signals that arrive close in time.

Nervous System Essentials

Directional Terms

Dorsal: toward the back, Ventral: toward the stomach, Anterior: front, Posterior: rear.
Superior: above, Inferior: below, Lateral: side, Medial: middle.

Important Terminology

Neuron: single nerve cell; Nerve: bundle of axons in the peripheral nervous system; Tract: bundle of axons in the central nervous system.

Nervous System Organization

Peripheral Nervous System: outside CNS; comprises Somatic (voluntary) and Autonomic (involuntary) systems.
Autonomic system includes Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic (rest).

Early Brain Studies

Microscopy advancements enabled individual neuron study, complemented by staining techniques for visualization.

Psychology History

Psychology's terminology reflects biases shaped by historical gender, racial, and social factors.
Etymology: derived from Greek "psyche" (soul) and "logos" (study).

Defining Psychology

Psychology studies mind and behavior, encompassing both internal (covert) and external (overt) actions.
Goals include measuring, explaining, predicting, and modifying behavior through various perspectives (psychological, biological, environmental).

Philosophical Roots

Greek philosophers questioned morality and human nature, while early physiologists explored brain anatomy's impact on behavior.

The Mind-Body Problem

Central inquiry: How to study the mind, an unobservable entity, and the relationship between mind and behavior.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of monism and dualism in philosophy through this quiz. Examine key thinkers like Descartes and Hobbes, and delve into their contrasting views on the relationship between mind and body. This quiz also touches on realism, idealism, empiricism, and nativism.