Single Idea 2955

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

Full Idea

If we assume that mental events are located in time, then it follows immediately, given special relativity, that they are also in space.

Clarification

'Special relativity' is Einstein's theory about the nature of space-time

Gist of Idea

If mental events occur in time, then relativity says they are in space

Source

Michael Lockwood (Mind, Brain and the Quantum [1989], p.73)

Book Reference

Lockwood,Michael: 'Mind,Brain and the Quantum:The Compound 'I'' [Blackwell 1991], p.73


A Reaction

A powerful point. Of course, there might (you never know) be something which exists in time but not space (and thoughts clearly exist in time), but (as in Hume's argument against miracles), dualism will overthrow your other basic beliefs about nature.