Critical Analysis Mind and Body
Descartes posited, "I think, therefore I am." However, his revelation didnot end the debate on the nature of the self; in fact, it gave rise to aslew of other opinions on the subject. The nature of the self is afundamental philosophical question, as it delves into the very nature ofour existence. One of the main problems with theorizing about the nature ofthe self is that selfhood can be constructed and looked at in a number ofdifferent ways. For instance, the self may or may not be connected to thebody. The "mind-body problem" has been debated by a number of notablephilosophers like Descartes and Leibniz. Both duelists, Descartes andLeibniz posited that the mind and body are separate entities. Descartesassumed that the mind and the body interact causally; the impulses oractions of one impact the impulses or reactions of the other. Although hewas also a dualist regarding the mind-body probl
Edward, on the other hand, exemplifies a self existing distinctly andindependently from the community at large. The film Edward Scissorhands, directed by Tim Burton and released in1991, is an example of how the self, the individual, is in large partconstructed by social realities. The nature of self is not limited to theories of mind versus body. Edward'sidentity is based on his physical appearance, his personality (which heexpresses deftly in spite of various attempts by the community members toassimilate him), and his inner longings (expressed by his loneliness andisolation). His sense of self becomes influenced by thesocial group, as they encourage him to channel his talents for clippinginto viable, acceptable forms of work such as trimming hedges or dog hair. Moreover, Edward's sense of self is also influenced by theperceptions of other people. Most of the town's residents do not necessarily havea strong sense of self; their lives consist of routine and conformity. He not only looks completelydifferent from everyone else; he also expresses himself in creative waysforeign to the other residents. This film is a wonderful example of how thenature of self is constructed in large part by social influences. Individualism is generally frowned upon, which is why Edward is eventuallyostracized by the community. Edward, who wascreated by a mad scientist, looks, acts, and thinks differently from otherpeople. Finally,philosophers like Spinoza and Russell believed that a separate substance orquality transcended both body and mind. Identity theory proposes the idea that the brain is the actual origin ofthe mind. Because socializing is an integral aspect of human existence,examining the nature of self from a social-psychological perspective can beespecially fruitful. He finds himself in one of the most homogenous social milieus, too:the American suburbs.
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