David Armstrong’s “The Nature of Mind”.

 

Based on your understanding of David Armstrong’s “The Nature of Mind”. (You do not
need to consult any other material besides Armstrong’s essay in order to complete this assignment.)
1. Why does Armstrong believe that science furnishes the best clue we have to the nature of mind?
2. A natural attempt at a scientific explanation of the nature of mind is provided by a theory Armstrong calls a
“very crude version” of behaviorism. Explain this Naive Behaviorism and the “obvious objection” Armstrong
believes it is open to.
3. A better version of behaviorism is provided by Gilbert Ryle’s Dispositional Theory. First explain the general
notion of a disposition, and then state and explain Ryle’s Dispositional Behaviorism. Why does Armstrong think
Dispositional Behaviorism is “unsatisfactory as a theory of mind”.
4. State and carefully explain the theory of the nature of mind that Armstrong ultimately recommends.
This one needs to be tightly argued. Get through 1 and 2 above rather quickly, but go slowly on 3 and 4.
Armstrong discusses an example about the brittleness of glass when explaining the general notion of a
disposition. You might want to do the same thing.

 

Sample Solution

David Armstrong`s “The Nature of Mind.”

“The Nature of Mind” is a philosophical essay by David Armstrong. Armstrong outlines a philosophical account of the mind that is compatible with the Materialist scientific view of the mind. Armstrong states that science can achieve consensus among experts on controversial matters after prolonged investigation. This, he says, makes science the authority on the nature of the mind and other matters. He puts forward science as the best hope we have in understanding the mind. Returning to the search for a Materialist account of the mind, Armstrong considers Behaviorism, which holds that the mind “is not something behind the behavior of the body, it is simply part of that physical behavior.”

off. Abigail is a vengeful, manipulative, jealous, and over all just a bad person. Which brings her into being one of the other main causes of the trials. Of course John should have never gotten involved with her in the first place, but Abigail should have been a big enough person to respect him when he wanted to go back to his wife. Both of them together was a recipe for disaster. Abigail’s part in this is a little more twisted than johns. Unlike John, Abigail actually was practicing witch craft and even went as far as to put a curse on Elizabeth. Abigail accused multiple people of witchcraft, but her herself was never found guilty of it. She was a very good liar and master manipulator who could get her way out of any situation thrown at her. Even when she was the main cause. John and Elizabeth were just a bump in the road for her. Abigail does not care for anyone but herself and seems to have the reputation of spreading lies and destruction where ever she goes. The last and final reason John is to cause for the trials is because he prioritizes his reputation over his integrity. During the trials he wouldn’t admit the girls were lying, because then he would have to disclose information about his affair. He cared more about keeping his good name than clearing anyone else’s, until it was too late. He knows he’s a fraud but it’s important for him to keep his stamina so no one else will think of him that way. When John finally comes to terms with his integrity it is already too late, and the damage has been done. It isn’t until he gets to the gallows that he finds his pure ness and refuses to confess a lie to save his life. Maybe if he would’ve cared less about what others might say all of this trouble could’ve been avoided. In conclusion John proctor is responsible for the outbreak of the trials because of his affair, his act of pride, and because he values his reputation more than his integrity. Overall causing the outbreak of the trails. Abigail should be considered a main cause as well for her acts of; selfishness, lies, and manipulation throughout the play. The two of them together acted upon their desires and their lack of empathy for anyone besides themselves.

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