Do we have a soul?

The mind, according to dualism, is composed of non-physical matter. Distinct from the physical matter of the brain. The mind is instead placed in the realm of consciousness.

"Thus this self - that is the soul by which I am what I am - is completely distinct from the body and is even easier to know than it, an even if the body did not exist the soul would still be everything that it is."

- René Descartes, Discourse on Method (1637)

The opposing theory believes humans do not experience mind in separation from the body. All they experience are the relations between thoughts and bodily responses to those thoughts ie. sensations and emotions.

This reduces the idea of consciousness from something separate and substantial to an illusion created by our brain/mind. The mind vs. body problem is the root of the question do we have a soul?

- Juliette