Single Idea 17580

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / G. Biology / 2. Life]

Full Idea

One's life - not simply one's mental life - is centered in the activity of the simples that virtually compose one's brain in a way in which it is not centered in the activity of any of the other simples that compose one.

Clarification

'Virtually', here, means can be thought of in that way

Gist of Idea

One's mental and other life is centred on the brain, unlike any other part of the body

Source

Peter van Inwagen (Material Beings [1990], 15)

Book Reference

Inwagen,Peter van: 'Material Beings' [Cornell 1995], p.181


A Reaction

This justifies the common view that 'one follows one's brain'. I take that to mean that my brain embodies my essence. I would read 'centered on' as 'explains'.