Philosophical debate has pondered metaphysics, which explores the nature of reality and existence, for centuries. The lack of scientific evidence and the sheer number of unanswered theories make metaphysics a fascinating branch of philosophy. The greatest debate of our existence questions whether our perceived reality is anything more than an illusion. This essay will, therefore, explore the relationship between the mind and the soul, discussing Avicenna’s ‘floating man’ thought experiment, Descartes’ conundrums and the ‘Brain in a Vat’ hypothesis furthered by science fiction narratives. The ‘Floating Man’ (Avicenna) According to the Persian philosopher Avicenna, the ‘Floating Man’ experiment is a profound investigation into the complexities of self-awareness, the nature of the soul and the intricate dynamics defining the interaction between mind and body. Avicenna asks us to imagine a situation where all psychological sensations and sensory experiences are absent, but the person is nevertheless vividly aware of their own existence. This thought experiment suggests the existence of an incorporeal soul, or selfawareness that is separate from the physical body. As a result, Avicenna presents an argument against notions of the mind-body connection, requiring us to reevaluate the fundamental essence of who we are in a way that goes beyond conventional lines of reasoning.
‘Cogito, ergo sum’ (Descartes) Descartes, a leader in contemporary philosophy, famously stated ‘Cogito, ergo sum’ which translates to ‘I think, therefore I am’. This statement anchored his core position in metaphysics. He separates himself from the common debate of sensory experiences in search of the unanswerable truth and instead emphasises thought as the foundation for certainty. He argues that our ability to question and contemplate is enough to be indisputable proof of one’s existence. We can contrast Descartes with Avicenna’s ‘Floating Man’ thought experiment. This unveils the subtle ways in which both philosophers attempt to anchor our knowledge of our existence in unquestionable self-knowledge. Descartes stresses that certainty is enough to prove our thinking and existence, whereas Avicenna challenges us to consider the nature of self-awareness independent of external stimuli by taking us through a mental scenario devoid of sensory sensations. This analogy forces us to examine 6|Page
