ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Psychology => Topic started by: izzykose on February 27, 2011, 11:33:52 am

Title: Descartes
Post by: izzykose on February 27, 2011, 11:33:52 am

I have a test tomorrow on chapters 2 and 3.

I still have trouble explaining : How does Descartes describe consciousness?

I understand his theory of dualism and his belief that the mind is a psychological structure and that the body is a physical fleshy structure and that the mind and the body come into contact through the pineal gland.

How would i answer the above question though.. for 1-2 marks?

Title: Re: Descartes
Post by: iNerd on February 27, 2011, 11:45:01 am

Straight definition off the book?


Descartes described consciousness as encompassing everything we are aware of, including our own existence. It exists in the mind but can also exist in the body as it is non-physical and does not take up space.


Test meaning SAC? Good luck!

In future post your questions here: http://vce.atarnotes.com/forum/index.php/topic,36165.0.html

Title: Re: Descartes
Post by: izzykose on February 27, 2011, 12:07:27 pm

Nah just an s/n test sac is friday week.
Essay SAC to :S

Title: Re: Descartes
Post by: a/b on February 27, 2011, 12:15:20 pm

Listen to this lecture:

http://oyc.yale.edu/yale/psychology/introduction-to-psychology/content/sessions/lecture02.html

or you can read the transcript if you ceebz downloading the audio :) It's really helpful, goes into detail a bit, but overall really interesting :) yeah I have a SAC on Friday too, chap 2-3, only it's a media analysis.

Title: Re: Descartes
Post by: Darren on March 02, 2011, 05:47:53 pm

Quote from: ATAR on February 27, 2011, 11:45:01 am

Straight definition off the book?


Descartes described consciousness as encompassing everything we are aware of, including our own existence. It exists in the mind but can also exist in the body as it is non-physical and does not take up space.


Test meaning SAC? Good luck!

In future post your questions here: http://vce.atarnotes.com/forum/index.php/topic,36165.0.html

You need to definitely add that he suggested the theory of dualism, which was the theory that consciousness was seperate from the body and the brain. The pineal gland allowed however the two entities to interact - the body took in sensations and experiences consciousness created.

Title: Re: Descartes
Post by: Glockmeister on March 03, 2011, 12:46:38 am

If I recall Descartes right, he did also note that the pineal gland was the link between body and soul, although he did note that "it isn't a satisfactory explanation."

Bit weird having Descartes in Psychology.

Title: Re: Descartes
Post by: iNerd on March 03, 2011, 07:21:02 am

^

Correct + only chose the pineal gland because it wasn't replicated in both hemispheres.