The Concept Of Mind by Gilbert Ryle
This philosophical work challenges the Cartesian dualism of mind and body, proposing instead that the mind is not a separate entity but a way of acting. The author introduces the notion of "the ghost in the machine" to critique the traditional understanding of the mental as distinct from the physical. Through a detailed analysis, the text argues that mental vocabulary should be understood in terms of dispositions to behave in certain ways, rather than referring to an inner, private realm. This influential book reshapes the way we think about the mind, emphasizing that mental processes are not located in an inner space but are observable in the patterns of behavior and the competencies individuals exhibit.
The 3161st greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1949
- Nationality
- British
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 300-350
- Words
- Unknown
- Original Language
- English
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This book is on the following lists:
- 10th on Mary Warnock's top 10 philosophy books (Mary Warnock)
- 21st on The Modern Philosophical Classics (The Philosophical Forum)