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The Mind Brain Identity Theory

Decent Essays

Marguerite Mitchell
Intro to Philosophy
October 29, 2015

In this paper, I will argue that the Mind-Brain Identity Theory provides sufficient grounds to accept Epicurus’ argument for death being annihilation. I will argue my thesis by referring to Peter Carruthers’ The Mind Is the Brain to establish that one’s mental states are in fact brain states and will also refer to Epicurus’ Death is Nothing to Us. Next, I will explain that if one accepts the Identity Theory then one should also accept, as Epicurus argues, that death should not be feared, for it is annihilation. I will conclude by refuting objections to the Identity Theory and the Epicurean argument on death.
In order to accept the validity of the Identity Theory, one must have a thorough understanding of it. It is a form of materialism which asserts that “all mental states and events are in fact physical states and events” (Carruthers 301). For example, if I were to put my hand on a hot stove, I would have a conscious awareness of the pain of my burning flesh and it would provoke physical actions such as immediately drawing back my hand and screaming. This instance illustrates Carruthers’ first premise in the Identity Theory argument that conscious states and events, or my awareness of the pain of burning my hand, is a causal condition for the occurrence of physical states and events, which would be exemplified by me drawing back my hand and screaming (Carruthers 302).
The second premise of the argument indicates

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