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Single Idea 12500

[from 'Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed)' by John Locke, in 17. Mind and Body / D. Property Dualism / 6. Mysterianism ]

Full Idea

It is no harder to conceive how thinking should exist without matter, than how matter should think.

Gist of Idea

Thinking without matter and matter that thinks are equally baffling

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.23.32)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.314


A Reaction

This kind of aporia is at the heart of modern 'mysterianism', exemplified by Colin McGinn, and I find that Locke fully endorses such an attitude, and should be seen as the first Mysterian.