| dc.description.abstract | This thesis is basically concerned with synthesis of some of the philosophical conceptions of
mind. The history of the use and the description of the term 'mind' reveal a multiplicity of
views. First, a metaphysical relativity with which mind is treated, either as a substance,
process or act and potency; the two opposing theories of mind, the monism vis-a-vis dualism
and the multiple theories- the identity, idealist and materialist views that address the subject.
Seeondly, the eight- (8) main conceptions of mind as provided by Reber:
• Mind as a totality of hypothesized mental processes and acts that may serve as
explanatory devices for psychological data.
• Mind as a totality of the conscious and unconscious mental expenences of an
individual organism (usually, though not always, a human organism).
• Mind as a collection of processes
• Mind as equivalent to brain
• Mind as an emergent property
• Mind as a list of synonyms for example, psyche, soul, self and the like.
• Mind as intelligence
• Mind as a characteristic or trait
indicate this multiplicity. This state of affairs therefore demands a critical evaluation of the
divergences of these conceptions of mind, with a view to gaining a better understanding of
mind and its meaning through a philosophical synthesis of the various conflicting theories
about it. The study is of the view that the multiplicity of these conceptions of the subject mind
have created confusion in the understanding of mind.
The study recognizes mind as a subject to be studied by scholars in philosophy. The
assumption in this study is that; considering the multiplicity of the various conceptions of
mind, there exists a synthesis of these conceptions and that the synthesis of these conceptions
reduces the complexity of the subject. It is therefore assumed, when the complexity of the
subject mind is reduced, our understanding of this subject is increased.
The study is also of the view that the subject - mind, needs to be approached from an
objective standpoint in order to understand its nature and functioning. The method used to
investigate the possibility of such an objective approach to the conception of mind is through
the review of literature available in the libraries as well as archives. The reason why
secondary data is mainly focused on is because, there is enough literature on the subject to be
given an exposition.
Discovery and consciousness form essential turning points to our understanding of mind. A
synthesis of mind in terms of its levels, metaphysical basis, continental conceptions, theories
and Reber's eight tenets is done. Reber's eight tenets reflect that different individuals
conceptualize mind differently. Each of these tenets of mind has been critically evaluated
putting into consideration the philosophy behind the historical development of the subject.
Our main object in the study has been to achieve a coherent world view through a synthesis
of these conceptions of mind, thus, bringing more clarity of the subject to the students of
philosophy, psychology, sociology, among other fields. In order to achieve a coherent
worldview the study has introduced the Western conceptions of mind to the debate, as well as
the African and the Eastern using the Tibetan and the Chinese model. The African and the
Eastern conceptions of mind have been ignored and not given adequate attention by the
Western dominated conceptions of mind. Interestingly, although each continent seems to
have a unique way of conceptualizing mind, it is common to all of them that mind involvessome
processes and that there is a relationship between the body (a material entity) and mind
(a non-material entity). Theories that are developed to show the relationship between the
body and mind point out to three basic metaphysical issues: The substance, process, act and
potency. The study noted that a number of these theories seek to address mind as a process,
an act and potency and avoid the issue of the substance that makes up mind. None of these
theories of mind - body relationship have been entirely dismissed in that each of them makes
ajustifiable contribution to the understanding of mind. Thus, a compromise Position has been
adopted that caters for the extreme theories - the monism and dualism.
Affirming our hypothesis, the study has noted that a synthesis of the various conceptions of
mind is possible. We have come up with a position that Reber's eight tenets of mind capture
theories of the relationship between the body and mind, metaphysical as well as the
conceptions of mind by individuals from our three major continents- the East, West and
Africa. As a result, the synthesis of Reber's tenets of mind has been by extension considered
to be a synthesis of all the other conceptions. It is hoped, by coming up with a position that,
"mind is a mental process, catering for both the conscious and unconscious processes" that
we have managed to remove resentments to the study of mind especially by scholars in
philosophy. This study has achieved by putting forward the issues in a clearer perspective,
thus cultivating a more positive response to the subject of philosophy in general. | |
