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The Plausibility of Substance Dualism as an Approach to the Mind-Body Problem:

A Philosophical and Theological Inquiry

Richard J. Bernier

A Thesis

in The Department

of Theological Studies

Presented in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts at

Concordia University Montreal, Quebec, Canada

November 2003

(c) Richard J. Bernier, 2003

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY School of Graduate Studies

This is to certify that the thesis prepared By: Richard J. Bernier

Entitled: The Plausibility of Substance Dualism as an Approach to the

Mind-Body Problem

and submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

complies with the regulations of the University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality.

ABSTRACT

The Plausibility of Substance Dualism as an Approach to the Mind-Body Problem

Richard J. Bernier

This thesis presents an argument that would posit a substantial non-physical principle of cognition and consciousness, i.e. a mind or soul, ontologically distinct from the physical brain and its properties. The case consists of, first, a series of arguments that seek to establish the rational foundation for this Cartesian or substance dualism and, second, an attempt to reply to some of the major objections to it. The second component includes a survey of physicalism, the chief alternative to dualism as a solution to the classic mind-body problem. The theological significance of the debate, and particularly of the status one accords to dualism in the debate, is the concern of the final chapter. The latter concludes that the implications of accepting or rejecting substance dualism are far-reaching for theological and ethical affirmations about human immortality and the worth of human beings. Some areas needing further discussion and inquiry, such as the possible relevance of Chalcedonian Christology and the need for further reflection on the precise mechanism of brain-mind interaction, are highlighted in the course of the presentation of the issue.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This thesis is dedicated, with affection and respect, to the students of the Newman Centre of McGill University.

I wish to thank all those whose encouragement and insight have contributed to the completion of this project. In particular I am grateful to the following individuals who have read or discussed the substance of this thesis and whose thoughts and comments have been especially valuable: Ms Nicole Beaudry, Mr M. Robert Bichage, Mr Thomas Bouchard, Mr Brian Butcher, Ms Bethany Cere, Mr Eric Durocher, Ms Emilie Lemay, and Fr Cyril MacNeil. Along with these my deepest gratitude goes to many other dear friends, whom I will not name for fear of omission. Special thanks to Dr Daniel Cere for continual support and encouragement in this as in so many other things, and to Rev Dr Telesphore Gagnon PSS, whose love of philosophy and skill in communicating it were my first introduction to many aspects of the mind-body problem and to many other philosophical questions. I also wish to thank my supervisor, Dr Paul Allen, for his careful and helpful critiques, as well as Dr Christine Jamieson and the other members of the department of Theological Studies at Concordia University.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter I: A case for substance dualism 14

Chapter II: Physicalist approaches to the mind-body problem 43

Chapter III: Some objections to substance dualism 70

Chapter