Possible Solution to Descartes' Mind-Body Problem Essay

Possible Solution to Descartes Mind-Body Problem - Essay ExampleThe question that remains to be asked is if ever the point and the consistency can have an interaction, then how is it possible? Descartes answer to this question is I was unable to give any explanation (Descartes 1969162). Furthermore, he contended that that this rather hypothetical interaction between the mind and the body is exclusively an arbitrary one and something that cannot be proven by science. Nevertheless, contrary to what Descartes had thought, modern science proves that the interaction between the mind and the body is not arbitrary and is supported by evidence on the effects of medications on the mind and the body as well as the James-Lange surmise of emotion. The interaction between the mind and the body is not arbitrary, as Descartes has claimed. TheFreeDictionary.com defines the word arbitrary as something determined by chance, whim or impulse or subject to individual judgment or preference. The in teraction between the mind and the body, however, is not defined by chance or individual judgment scarcely by definite cause and effect. ... In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an overdose of painkillers known as opioids would normally cause sleepiness ethical drug Medications 2011). An overdose of amphetamines such as Adderall may also have emotional and mental effects as well as paranoia and anxiety (Prescription Medications 2011). These effects prove that the physical and physiological effects of drugs have corresponding effects on the mind. The same thing is true with non-prescription drugs. Cocaine, for one, causes severe anxiety, panic, paranoid delusions, delirium, sleeplessness, hallucinations and steady acute psychosis if taken in large doses (Overdose 2011). In a similar way, heroin can cause delirium, while metamphetamine can cause two delirium and psychosis, and marijuana can cause psychosis, hallucinations, delusions and an inability to reco gnize ones identity (Overdose 2011). These simply prove that the mind is subject to sealed changes in the physical and physiological make-up of the body just alter the bodys physiology and you alter the mind as well. Furthermore, since scientific experiments have established this information about these effects of drugs on the health, then one is apt to conclude that the interaction between the mind and the body is causal and not merely arbitrary. Another proof of the causal interaction between the mind and the body is the James-Lange theory of emotion. If we reduced the James-Lange theory to simple laymans terms it would threatening like, We do not run because we feel afraid, we feel afraid because we run (Gray 198753). This means that whatever is experienced by the body is eventually reacted to by the mind. tally to the James-Lange theory of emotion, fear or any