149k views
2 votes
Mind-brain identity theory defines mental states such as sensations (e.g., pain), emotions (e.g., love), and thoughts (e.g., of your mother) as identical to brain activity such as neurons firing, electro-chemical impulses, etc. Discuss whether you think it makes sense to define mental states as identical to brain activity. Does it make sense, for example, to define LOVE as simply neuron firings?

User Stefos
by
6.1k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

NO

Step-by-step explanation:

It makes no sense to define mental states as identical to brain activity because all mental states from sensation to emotion and imagination; produce some degree of feeling but it cannot be said so to be, concerning brain activities such as neurons firing, electro-chemical impulses, etc.

Does it make sense, for example, to define LOVE as simply neuron firings: No, because neuron firing do not produce mental states of feeling, they are just activities taking place without people having any sensation of such.

User Anders Stensaas
by
6.9k points