Final answer:
The difference between mental states and mental events lies in their duration and stability. Mental states are continuous over time (e.g., beliefs), while mental events are short-term occurrences (e.g., thoughts or headaches). In the philosophy of mind, this distinction touches upon the mind-body problem and the debate between dualism and materialism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between mental states and mental events in the philosophy of mind is primarily about duration and stability. Mental states are more stable and continuous over time and involve dispositions or capacities that a person has, such as beliefs, desires, and moods. On the other hand, mental events are occurrences that happen at a particular time and are often of short duration, such as thoughts, sensations, and experiences like a headache. While a mental state like a belief can be long-lasting, a mental event such as the sudden pain of a headache typically happens and then ends.
In discussing the mind-body problem, we find that there are various viewpoints, including dualism and materialism. Dualists maintain that the mind and body are distinct, whereas materialists claim that what we consider the mind is nothing more than physical processes in the brain.
Regarding dualism, the argument presented by philosophers like René Descartes (Cogito, ergo sum) suggests that the mind is a non-physical reality. However, modern neuroscience challenges dualism by showing that mental activity, including memory and emotion, is associated with physical processes in the brain. To materialists, thoughts and consciousness are particular brain processes, and the mind is our collective awareness of these processes.
Furthermore, both mental states and events influence our behavior and actions. For example, the belief underlying a mental state can affect our decision-making, while experiencing a mental event like pain can cause a reaction to alleviate that pain. The evidence that physical changes in the brain impact how the mind operates suggests an intricate connection between the brain and mental phenomena.