Single Idea 5997

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 3. Eliminativism]

Full Idea

Dicaearchus advanced the view that mind and soul do not exist; there is only body configured in a certain way.

Gist of Idea

Dicaearchus said soul does not exist, but is just a configuration of the body

Source

report of Dicaearchus (On the Soul (frags) [c.320 BCE]) by William W. Fortenbaugh - Dicaearchus

Book Reference

'Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy', ed/tr. Zeyl,Donald J. [Fitzroy Dearborn 1997], p.183


A Reaction

Pure eliminativism! It is hard to find even ruthless modern physicalists taking such a bold view. Note that he is a pupil of Aristotle, and this does not sound like a major disagreement with his teacher's views.