ghost in the machine

a phrase used to emphasize the problems associated with Cartesian dualism, in which the mind is seen as a nonphysical entity (a “ghost”) that somehow inhabits and interacts with a mechanical body (the “machine”). See dualism; mind–body problem. [coined by British philosopher Gilbert Ryle (1900–1976)]

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

analogies test

a test of the participant’s ability to comprehend the relationship between two items and then extend that relationship to a different situation: For example, paintbrush is to paint as pen is to ___.