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Wed 29 Jul, 2009 08:57 pm
The Concept of Mind - Gilbert Ryle
ISBN-10: 0141182172
ISBN-13: 978-0141182179
Overview
Gilbert Ryle's 1949 Ordinary Language classic, attempted overthrow Cartesian Dualism being significantly influenced by Ludwig Wittgenstein and is known for coining the phrase 'the ghost in the machine'. The proper function of Mind-body language, he suggests, is to describe how higher organisms such as humans demonstrate resourcefulness, strategy, the ability to abstract and hypothesize and so on from the evidences of their behaviour.
Positives
-Ryle's tough analysis of Mind-Body language is revealing and challenges you about how you think of the issue.
-One the key texts in the movement of Ordinary Language Philosophy in the 20th Century
- As Daniel Dennett said in his positive 2000 foreward book, trend's in psychology & cognitive science is leading to fresh interest in Ryle's work.
Negatives
-The Ordinary Language assualt on Mind-Body language may become a bit of a grind to read, with Ordinary Language philosophy not being always the most engaging to read.
-May not be of interest to those who are not interested in that particular specific area of Philosophy of Mind
Overview- 8/10 - A good read for those interested in the subject area
@RDanneskjld,
Whether one accepts Ryle's conclusions or not, this thorough analysis of the concept of Self or Mind challenges the reader to rethink the issue completely.
Anyone interested in philosophy should read this modern classic.
@jgweed,
It's a ground breaking book, if a little outdated. The first chapter is certainly worth reading for its lively 'category mistake' attack on Cartesian dualism.
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