Descartes

[izzykose]

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?

[iNerd]

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

[izzykose]

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

[a/b]

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.

[Darren]

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.

[Glockmeister]

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.

[iNerd]

^

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