Single Idea 2628

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 8. Dualism of Mind Critique]

Full Idea

If the gods have no need of the sensible world, why mix up mind with water and water with mind, if mind can exist by itself without any need of matter?

Gist of Idea

Why would mind mix with matter if it didn't need it?

Source

M. Tullius Cicero (On the Nature of the Gods ('De natura deorum') [c.44 BCE], I.24)

Book Reference

Cicero: 'The Nature of the Gods', ed/tr. McGregor,Horace [Penguin 1972], p.80


A Reaction

This question migrates into our puzzles about why a separate mental substance would be produced by evolution. If it is device physical systems use to promote themselves, mental substance is reduced to an inferior and dependent role.