How to Study Cognition

2.2 Mind and Brain (History)

Mind-Body Problem: How mental events (thoughts, beliefs, sensations) are caused by physical (cellular, molecular) mechanisms in the body or brain.

Dualism: Mind and body have different substances and properties.

• The mind is not made from physical materials. (E.g. Soul or Spirit)
• Plato: Mind is an immortal soul more real than the physical world.
• Descartes: M and B are different substance interacting at pineal gland.

Monism: Only one kind of basic substance exists.

• Physicalism/Materialism: Only physical matter exists.
• Idealism: Only the mind is real.
• Neutral Monism: Mind and body are both the same thing.

Scientists' Perspective: The mind (intelligent behavior) is from the physical brain.

• Belief that it is possible to fully understand observable behaviors over time.
• Likely Materialism or Neutral Monism

2.3 The Brain and Behavior

Why Neuroscience is insufficient?

• Brain is too complex to understand (100B cells)

Brain's Contexts

• Body - Provides the brain sensory info and ability to move.
• Society - Determines the inputs of the body.