Question

Which of the following is a valid argument for substance dualism?

a. p1. the mind can be conceived to exist separately from the body, but the body cannot be conceived to exist separately from the body.
p2. what is conceivable is possible.
p3. leibniz's law.
c. the mind is not the body
b.p1. if substance dualism is true, then physicalism is false.
p2. physicalism is false.
c. substance dualism is true
c.p1. one can know about all physical properties of the experience of red, but still not know how the experience of red feels.
c1. from p1 follows that how the experience of red feels is not a physical property.
c2. from c1 follows that there are at least two types of properties: physical and mental
d.p1. the mind can be conceived to exist separately from the body, but the body cannot be conceived to exist separately from the body.
c. the mind is not the body

Answer 1

Option C presents a valid argument for substance dualism, suggesting that mental properties and physical properties are distinct, paralleling Descartes' dualist perspective which separates the non-physical mind from the physical body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for a valid argument for substance dualism. Substance dualism is a philosophical concept that posits the existence of two distinct kinds of substance: physical (such as the body) and non-physical (such as the mind or soul). In evaluating the provided arguments, we can use the thinking of philosopher Rene Descartes, a proponent of substance dualism, who famously stated, "I think, therefore I am," suggesting that the thinking mind is evidence of a non-physical substance.

Option C presents an argument closely related to the dualistic view. It acknowledges that there are physical properties (what we can observe and know about the body and the brain) and mental properties (the subjective experience that accompanies these physical properties). The knowledge of physical aspects of experience does not necessarily lead to understanding the qualitative or phenomenal experiences like 'how the experience of red feels', implying the existence of non-physical mental properties.

Thus, we see a separation between the mental and the physical realms, aligning with Descartes' notions and the arguments of other philosophers like Plato and Leibniz who also upheld a dualistic viewpoint. Substance dualism argues for the coexistence of a non-physical mind and a physical body, each with distinct properties that interact, but have separate existences.