Ryle and Merleau-Ponty's concept of self

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Questions and Answers

According to Kant, what constitutes the 'inner self'?

The connection to the external world.
The physical body and sensory experiences.
The intellect and psychological state of being. (correct)
Observable behaviors and actions.

According to Ryle, how do we understand the 'selves' of others?

By disregarding Folk Psychology.
By understanding their dualistic nature of mind and body.
By analyzing their private, internal thoughts and feelings.
By observing their behavior and making inferences. (correct)

How does Merleau-Ponty describe the relationship between the mind and body?

The mind and body are interconnected and inseparable. (correct)
The mind and body can be studied by observing their relationship to neuroscience.
The mind controls the body, dictating its actions and experiences.
The mind and body are separate entities that operate independently.

What is the central tenet of Paul Churchland's 'eliminative materialism'?

Traditional psychological terms should be replaced by neuroscientific terms. (A)

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Which statement best reflects Ryle's view on the mind-body relationship?

The concept of a separate, non-physical mind is a philosophical error; the self is observable behaviour. (C)

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How would a proponent of eliminative materialism, like Paul Churchland, likely view the concept of 'free will'?

As an outdated 'folk psychology' term that should be replaced by neuroscientific explanations of decision-making. (B)

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If a neuroscientist discovers a specific neural pathway that consistently activates when a person feels fear, how might Paul Churchland interpret this finding?

As a basis for replacing the term 'fear' with a more precise neuroscientific description of the neural pathway's activity. (A)

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According to Merleau-Ponty, how does our body contribute to our understanding of the world?

It enables us to interact with the world and embody our experiences. (A)

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Flashcards

Kant's Inner vs. Outer Self

Inner self comprises intellect & psychological state; outer self comprises senses & physical self.

Gilbert Ryle's View of Self

The self is understood through observable behaviors; rejects mind-body duality.

Merleau-Ponty's Embodied Self

Mind and body are interconnected; experiences are embodied through our connection to the world.

Paul Churchland's Self = Brain

The self is fundamentally the brain; mental states are physical brain activities.

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Eliminative Materialism

Replacing outdated terms in psychology with scientifically accurate, neuroscience-based terms.

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Ryle's Two Histories

A person experiences life through what affects their body (public) and mind (private).

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Self through Observation

We understand others and ourselves by observing behavior and inferring their 'selves'.

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Neurophilosophy

The study of the mind, utilizing philosophy, science, neuroscience, and psychology.

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Study Notes

Every person has an inner and outer self comprising consciousness.
The inner self consists of the intellect and psychological state.
The outer self consists of the senses and the physical self.
The object of the inner self is the 'soul'.
The outer self is directed to the 'body'.

Gilbert Ryle (1900-1976)

Ryle focused on observable behavior in defining the self.
Every human being has a physical body and a non-physical mind.
The mind and body are "harnessed together" while alive.
A person lives through two histories: what happens to the body (public) and what happens in the mind (private).
The mind operates within the person, while the body is subject to public observation and criticism.
Ryle rejects duality, viewing the self as the entirety of thoughts, emotions, and actions related to observable behavior.
We understand ourselves by observing behavior and inferring about "selves."

Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908-1961)

The mind and body are interconnected and inseparable.
The body connects us to the external world and other people, thus all experiences are embodied, including thoughts and emotions.

Paul Churchland

Churchland is a Canadian philosopher known for studies in neurophilosophy and the philosophy of mind.
He utilizes knowledge from fields like neuroscience and psychology to discuss the self and mind.
Proposed "eliminative materialism" or "eliminativism".
The self is the brain.
"Eliminative materialism" suggests that old terms describing the mind are outdated or "folk psychology."
More accurate, scientifically proven terms, based on neuroscience research, are needed.
Neuroscience shows a connection between mental states and physical brain activities.