II. Methods and Presuppositions
In order to show that Gilbert Ryle’s argument against dualism is not fatal, I will attempt to show that Ryle’s position, as a behaviorist, does not allow for any dualist accounts. It will also be argued that Ryle commits the fallacy of irrelevant conclusion in his argument. Finally, I will argue that dualists do not necessarily commit a category mistake.
This essay presupposes that the concept of dualism is entirely sound. It will also presuppose that any objection to dualism, other than the category-mistake, is answerable. This essay will also presuppose that the reader has basic knowledge of psychology and logic.
III. The Text’s Argument …show more content…
Dualism, or “The Official Doctrine” as Ryle dubs it, has two distinct and separate substances: mind and body. These two exist as two sides of the same coin. Every human, with some exceptions, has both a mind and a body. Bodies are subject to mechanical laws, physical, mortal and a “public affair”, as Ryle puts it. Minds, however, are the direct opposite of bodies. Minds are not subject to mechanical laws, mental instead of physical, eternal and a “private