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Single Idea 6153

[from 'Meditations' by René Descartes, in 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 2. Interactionism ]

Full Idea

It is often argued that any interaction between the physical and the mental - as defined by Descartes - would require a violation of the first law of thermodynamics, the principle of conservation of energy.

Gist of Idea

Interaction between mental and physical seems to violate the principle of conservation of energy

Source

comment on René Descartes (Meditations [1641]) by Mark Rowlands - Externalism Ch.2

Book Reference

Rowlands,Mark: 'Externalism' [Acumen 2003], p.11


A Reaction

This would be because consciousness is adding energy to the system (in order to generate movement) without it having come from anywhere else in the physical system. A good objection, which only a miracle could overcome.