Mind

This chapter explores the metaphysical theories of mind: predominantly perceptual theories; predominantly conceptual theories; and theories making use of the cognitive process of the interpretation. The nature of mind may be defined by a given metaphysical theory mainly in terms which regard mind as best or most known through possible “perceptions” or through possible “acquaintance” with its nature. Such theories have been prominent throughout the whole history of human thought. However, as is the case with every highly developed doctrine, the conceptual form is very naturally assumed by any philosophical theory of mind which seeks for theoretical completeness. The conceptual theories of mind have been in history of two general types: (1) the purely conceptual; and (2) the more inductive conceptual theories based upon the more or less highly developed “empirical psychologies” of the period in which these theories have flourished.