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Description
This programme discusses the problem of whether the mind is identified with the brain. In the programme Charles Taylor challenges Anthony Quinton to defend his view that mental events are identical... with brain processes.
This programme discusses the problem of whether the mind is identified with the brain. In the programme Charles Taylor challenges Anthony Quinton to defend his view that mental events are identical... with brain processes.
| Module code and title: | A303, Problems of philosophy |
|---|---|
| Item code: | A303; 01 |
| First transmission date: | 31-01-1973 |
| Published: | 1973 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:01 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Mary Hoskins |
| Contributors: | Anthony Quinton; Charles Taylor; Godfrey Norman Agmondisham Vesey |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Descartes; Mental state |
| Footage description: | Godfrey Vesey introduces the programme and the two philosophers who are to discuss the problem quoted in the programme title. Quinton and Taylor identify their respective positions. The positions identified in the proceeding section are discussed and emphasis is placed upon the complexity of certain mental states and the difficulty of linking this complexity with a bodily, physical or chemical event. Taylor reviews historical and contemporary philosophical as well as emotional reasons for the traditional split of mind and body. Quinton and Taylor discuss Descartes' understanding of the problem. Taylor and Quinton continue their discussion and try to isolate what factor in the human mind has promoted a widespread traditional belief that mind and body (i.e. brain) are separate. Taylor closes one sequence by stressing the difficulty of localisation of mental state and related renewal activity. The difficulty of localisation and also the problems of terminology and the main points of discussion of the sequence. Quinton argues that these problems do not disprove his assumption; he also extends the argument to the idea of altered personality because of the administration of neuro-chemically active drugs. To close the discussion Taylor restates his position. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/70900 |
| Production number: | 00525_3018 |
| Videofinder number: | 600 |
| Available to public: | yes |
