A THEORY OF INTELLIGENCE Part Two (Identity)

by dhw, Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 12:18 (2326 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: Do you think the development of a concept simply springs into existence as only a 'eureka' moment. Thinking through a puzzle requires contemplation over time.

dhw: Another straw man. By definition, how can the "development" of a concept “spring into existence”? The “eureka” moment is what you have called the initiation of the thought (e.g. the spear), but the development and completion of the thought depend on an ongoing process, in which the dualist’s brain provides information and material expression, while the dualist’s soul does the continual processing. And once again, “expression of thought” does not mean “development of thought” – which is the point you have tried to avoid.

DAVID: But the point I am making to use your words, "the dualist's soul does the continual processing" BY USING the brains networks! That is the brain's contribution that you keep looking for.

In dualism, the soul USES the brain to acquire information and to give its thoughts material expression. That is the brain’s contribution, and you still haven’t come up with any other “contributions”, despite my repeated request for you to do so.

DAVID (article on autism): More proof you have to work with the brain you/soul are given.

dhw: Yes of course you do! Nobody ever said that a dualist can swap brains! But if the brain determines how you behave and how you think, you have a good case for materialism.

DAVID: The brain can only transmit proper thought if it is well. A sick brain transmits sick thought, which shows a soul must use the brain to create the thought that is to be expressed.

According to you the brain is a passive receiver. Why have you suddenly introduced the word “transmit”? Until now the difference has been clear. The soul thinks the thought and transmits it to the receiver brain, which then gives it material expression or implementation. If the sick brain results in sick thought, you have evidence for materialism.