only the body, (2) a mentalist will still insist that a person is made up of only the mind, or (3) somebody who rejects both the materialist and mentalist view to agree that a person is a combination of the mind and body. For the first two, I will remind them that while developing my position, I undoubtedly shared a part of their view by associating my own person to the mind AND the body. However, by associating with the two simultaneously, I am unavoidably denying them both a status of absolute truth. I can only hope that by reading my “triangle” theory, they will allow themselves to see the possibilities of an alternative truth to their own. Also, as another possible riposte to their unwavering loyalty to materialism or mentalism, I may suggest reading a composition written by a philosopher of the opposing school of thought. For the materialist, I would suggest reading Descartes, and for the mentalist, Taylor should give them something to think about. No matter how dedicated a person is to a particular idea, when met with an opposing view that is as sensible as his or her own, an intelligent person must admit the possibility of being incorrect, at least to a certain degree. To that person who agrees that the person is the perfect blend of mind and body, I ask that they share their own views and reasons with me, for it is always intriguing to get another perspective on a similar viewpoint on a subject such as this. I realize now that I forgot to acknowledge a fourth possible response, which is that from a person who rejects all the above possibilities. And what shall I say to those people? I honestly don’t know. However, I am eagerly waiting to hear what THEY have to say to ME....
