more from Epicurus

Single Idea 14042

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 5. Causal Argument]

Full Idea

Those who say that the soul is incorporeal are speaking to no point; for if it were of that character, it could neither act nor be acted upon at all.

Gist of Idea

The soul cannot be incorporeal, because then it could neither act nor be acted upon

Source

Epicurus (Letter to Herodotus [c.293 BCE], 67)

Book Reference

Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.14


A Reaction

This just is the causal argument, which is espoused by Papineau and other modern physicalists. Personally I am inclined to agree with Papineau, that it is so simple and conclusive that it is hardly worth discussing further. Dualism needs a miracle.

Related Idea

Idea 14043 The void cannot interact, but just gives the possibility of motion [Epicurus]