Plot Summary

The Concept of Mind

Gilbert Ryle
Guide cover placeholder

The Concept of Mind

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1949

Book Brief

Gilbert Ryle

The Concept of Mind

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1949
Book Details
Pages

348

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1949

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Concept of Mind by Gilbert Ryle challenges the dualist view separating mind and body. Ryle critiques the notion of a "ghost in the machine," proposing that mental processes are not distinct from physical actions but integrated within them, emphasizing behaviors over abstract mental states.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Gilbert Ryle's The Concept of Mind is praised for challenging Cartesian dualism, offering a compelling critique of the "ghost in the machine" metaphor. Reviewers appreciate its clarity and wit, although some find its arguments dense and philosophically complex. Critics argue it occasionally oversimplifies mental phenomena. Overall, it's considered a seminal work in philosophy of mind.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Concept of Mind?

A reader who enjoys The Concept of Mind by Gilbert Ryle is likely interested in philosophy of mind and critiques of Cartesian dualism. They would appreciate comparisons to works like Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations or Dennett's Consciousness Explained, focusing on analytical and conceptual approaches.

Book Details
Pages

348

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1949

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!