René Descartes

why do you think mind an body are different substances ?

I think it is safe to say that the mind and body are two different substances for one very simple reason: the mind is capable of thinking, and the body is not! (Though I must admit, I have seen some pretty impressive dancing moves that made me wonder if otherwise!) Of course, this does not mean that the body is not capable of motion. On the contrary, the body is quite capable of motion and action. But the mind is capable of something altogether different and much more complex. It is capable of abstract thought, of reasoning, of understanding, and of the ability to think and reflect. The mind is also capable of emotion, of feelings, of desires, of hopes, and of dreams. The body, on the other hand, is limited in its abilities; it can only do what it is physically capable of doing. So, I think it is fair to say that the mind and body are two different substances, as the mind is capable of so much more than the body. Of course, there is also the added bonus of being able to make jokes about the differences between the mind and body. For instance, if someone is being particularly irrational, you can just say that the mind is doing its own thing and the body is just along for the ride! In conclusion, the mind and body are two different substances because of the vast differences in their abilities. The mind is capable of so much more than the body, and that is why they are two distinct substances.