Which theory proposes that the mind is nonphysical, the body is physical, and they interact through the pineal gland?

Which theory proposes that the mind is nonphysical, the body is physical, and they interact through the pineal gland?

• A. Descartes's mind-body dualism
• B. Monism
• C. Materialism
• D. Functionalism

Answer: (A)

Descarte’s mind-body dualism holds that the mind is nonphysical while the body is physical, and they interact through a specific interface in the brain—the pineal gland. This is an interactionist view, positing two distinct substances (mind and body) that causally affect each other, with the pineal gland acting as the conduit for that cross‑talk. Other theories don’t posit a separate nonphysical mind that interacts with the body through a single brain structure. Monism and materialism say there isn’t a distinct nonphysical mind at all, or that mental states are nothing over physical brain states. Functionalism focuses on the roles mental states play rather than what they’re made of, so it doesn’t require a physical site of interaction between mind and body.

Descarte’s mind-body dualism holds that the mind is nonphysical while the body is physical, and they interact through a specific interface in the brain—the pineal gland. This is an interactionist view, positing two distinct substances (mind and body) that causally affect each other, with the pineal gland acting as the conduit for that cross‑talk.

Other theories don’t posit a separate nonphysical mind that interacts with the body through a single brain structure. Monism and materialism say there isn’t a distinct nonphysical mind at all, or that mental states are nothing over physical brain states. Functionalism focuses on the roles mental states play rather than what they’re made of, so it doesn’t require a physical site of interaction between mind and body.