Abstract

The origins of mind-body dualism have their roots in the distant past, but a satisfactory conclusion has never been reached. In the essay analysed here, written by Carmela Morabito, it is possible to observe the construction of an argument based on the development of scientific thought, starting from the end of the 19th century. The argument ends in a position with respect to the theme of mind-body dualism, which focuses on inclusion of the body among the prerogatives necessary for a concrete and scientific observation and understanding of the mind and its functions. Peculiar importance for the evolution of Morabito’s thought, is given to the positions of Leroi-Gourhan, especially in relation to his ideas of locomotion as a driving force for biological and social evolution proposed by Leroi-Gourhan and his intention to use as an analytical tool for the understanding of the distinctive traits of our species, the study of the technique and the «operational chain» that leads to the production of tools, emphasizing their social nature and cognitive value. In this analysis of Morabito’s thesis, the importance of the basal ganglia is emphasised, as can also be seen from Lieberman’s writings, which are involved both in motor control and in human cognition and emotion regulation. Furthermore, is analysed how it would have been useful to discuss the feedback control system proposed by modern cognitive sciences, with respect to the argumentation of the topic in terms of the evolution of scientific thought