What is the role of qualia in dualism?

Philosophy Mind Body Problem Questions



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What is the role of qualia in dualism?

In dualism, qualia play a crucial role in understanding the mind-body problem. Qualia refer to the subjective, conscious experiences that individuals have, such as the sensation of pain, the taste of chocolate, or the color red. Dualism posits that the mind and body are two distinct entities, with the mind being non-physical and the body being physical. Qualia are seen as the bridge between these two realms, as they are mental experiences that cannot be reduced to physical processes. They are considered to be the essence of the mind, providing evidence for its existence separate from the physical body. Therefore, qualia are central to dualism as they highlight the fundamental difference between the mind and the body.