mind-body problem

[ mahynd-bod-ee ]

noun

, Philosophy.

1. the problem of explaining the relation of the mind to the body.

mind-body problem

noun

1. the traditional philosophical problem concerning the nature of mind, body, and the relationship between them See dualism interactionism parallelism monism idealism materialism identity theory behaviourism

Word History and Origins

Origin of mind-body problem¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

That's the challenge that has always been the challenge of the Mind-Body Problem.

From Salon

“Isn’t it fascinating,” Marom said, returning to the mind-body problem, “that just by looking at someone’s face, such a small portion of the face is moving so delicately and you will easily gain a window into the person’s inner world. And you know something about what they’re feeling and what they think and whether they are pleased or more upset or annoyed by something that you said or by your behavior.”

From Salon

“Facial expressions are a very appealing topic because they present an intersection of neurology and psychology anatomy and of course neuroanatomy,” Marom said, “because all of these actions of the muscles of the face are controlled of course by the brain. Because facial expressions are perceived as something that is intended for another to receive and to interpret, they also have some latent mind-body problem.”

From Salon

Mechanized warfare is the mind-body problem writ large.

From Los Angeles Times

By skirting the philosophical mind-body problem, Scull avoids psychiatry’s crucial dilemma.

From Washington Post