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Descartes Argumentative Analysis

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In his sixth meditation, Descartes distinguishes the difference between the functions of the mind and body. Descartes describes that the ability to think belongs to the mind while the ability to imagine belongs to the mind. In this paper I will be arguing against Descartes since the mind matures and deteriorates with the body by using Alzheimer’s Disease as an example. I will first explain the arguments that Descartes elucidates before I argue that the arguments for the separation of these capacities are problematic. This why I could explain an alternative conclusion that differs Descartes.
Descartes arguments can be best explained is to begin with his conclusions on the relation between the mind and body. First, Descartes states that minds can exist without the need of a body. Descartes thinks that the mind and body are distinct from each other because the body consist of extension while the mind consist of pure thought. Descartes explains that the mind and body are to act as independent substances. It is explained that the independence of the mind body is natural and they are set up to be like that that. …show more content…
Descartes infers that brain is a part of the body, but the pineal gland of the brain is where the mind and body is the closest connect. Descartes describes the pineal gland the “seat of the soul” and it controls the body much like a sailor controls the ship. In this example, Descartes nearly concludes that the mind has the ability to steer the body much like a sailor can steer a ship. However, Descartes still suggests that the mind can survive without the need of a body by inferring that once the brain has died, the mind is still able to survive and

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