The Mind-Body Problem: Consciousness And Materialism

Abstract

The mind-body problem, a central issue in philosophy of mind, examines the relationship between consciousness and material reality, questioning how subjective experience emerges from physical processes. Rooted in Descartes’ dualism, which separated mind and body, the debate has evolved with materialist perspectives that seek to explain consciousness within the framework of physicalism. Theories such as identity theory, functionalism, and eliminative materialism attempt to account for mental states in terms of brain activity, yet the challenge of explaining subjective awareness—the “hard problem of consciousness” as described by David Chalmers—remains unresolved. Thinkers like Thomas Nagel have highlighted the explanatory gap between objective science and lived experience, showing the limits of reductionist approaches. With advancements in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, the discourse continues to grow in relevance, raising questions about personal identity, free will, and the possibility of machine consciousness. This paper explores consciousness through the lens of materialism and its philosophical implications.