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9114 | There are no secure foundations to prove the separate existence of mind, in reason or experience [William of Ockham] |
Full Idea: The existence of an immaterial 'intellective soul' ..cannot be demonstrated; for every reason by which we try to prove it assumes something that is doubtful for a man who follows only his natural reason. Neither can it be proved by experience. | |
From: William of Ockham (Seven Quodlibets [1332], I Q x) | |
A reaction: This is splendid honesty from a medieval monk. How would such a clear thinker have responded to modern brain research? Colin McGinn still maintains William's view, despite modern knowledge. Our ignorance produced conceptual dualism. |