Mind and matter: the question of primacy

Abstract

Considers the questions asked by F. Engels (1888): “Which is primary, spirit or nature?” and by Max Delbruch (1986): “How can we construct a theory of a universe without life, and therefore without mind, and then expect life and mind to evolve, somehow, from this lifeless and mindless beginning?” Views these questions historically and interprets them with further questions and analysis. Discusses the Logos doctrine and the development of scientific methodology. Asks a further question: “Can mindless objects obey mathematical laws?”. Examines the limitations of Leibniz as a scientist and the importance of his monadology. Finally, discusses Haldane’s views on the mind of a material system. Includes an extensive appendix which elaborates on the “curious vocabulary” used by the pioneers who founded wave mechanics.

Citation

Masani, P.R. (2001), "Mind and matter: the question of primacy", Kybernetes, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 308-329. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920110385028