Pain destroys the mind-body problem

Why the mind-body divide falls short

Pain defies the mind-body divide. We usually see physical and psychological pain as separate, but research shows that pain doesn’t work that way. Sabrina Coninx and Peter Stilwell argue that pain is not simply in the body or the mind but emerges from the complex interaction of our biology, mindset and environment. Rethinking pain in this way has profound implications for how medicine should understand and treat it.

 

Imagine starting your morning by stubbing your toe on the bedframe, leaving a large bruise under your toenail. You feel a pulsing, pressing, and unpleasant sensation that makes you yelp, grimace, and hop on one foot. It is a familiar scenario for many of us, but it also raises an intriguing question: What exactly is pain? Is it the injury to your toe, the sensation you feel, or something else entirely?

Linguistic studies indicate that our everyday language is ambiguous about this matter. We often use the term “pain” to describe both a physical state of the body (like the bruised, injured toe) and our personal experience (the pulsing, pressing, unpleasant feeling). For example, when someone says, “I have pain in my toe,” people often interpret this as communicating two things at once: (1) that there is something physically going on with their toe and (2) that they are experiencing an unpleasant feeling related to this body part.

___

Pain challenges us to think beyond the body versus mind and physical versus psychological, showing instead how deeply intertwined these realms are.

___

While this ambiguous use of the word “pain” seems unproblematic in everyday conversation, it is too vague for scientific research or medical practice, where precision is essential. To address this, a common distinction is drawn between pain and nociception. Pain is a personal experience accessible only through the perspective of the person experiencing it. In contrast, nociception is the bodily process of detecting noxious stimuli and transmitting signals of actual or potential tissue damage. Thus, this understanding positions pain on the side of the mind (a personal experience) in contrast to nociception positioned on the side of the body (nerve activity).

Yet, when someone says, “I have pain in my toe,” it seems quite intuitive to examine the toe itself and surrounding tissues. We look for an injury, inflammation, or some other physical disturbance. Thus, even if pain is considered a psychological (mental) phenomenon, it seems closely tied to the body. Still, people commonly make a distinction, separating so-called “physical pain” from “psychological pain”. In other words, even if we consider pain a mental phenomenon, we may ask whether it is stemming from the body or mind?

In our view, by framing the question in terms of “body versus mind” or “physical versus. psychological” we risk falling into a misleading dualism—a common division that artificially separates these domains. Pain, as we argue, is a phenomenon that transcends these simple dichotomies. It challenges us to think beyond the body versus mind and physical versus psychological, showing instead how deeply intertwined these realms are. Collapsing these conceptual dichotomies has important implications and may help improve the care of people living with pain. 

 

Descartes and the mind-body divide

Continue reading

Enjoy unlimited access to the world's leading thinkers.

Start by exploring our subscription options or joining our mailing list today.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Log in

Latest Releases
Join the conversation

Brookly Fab 16 April 2025

i am super excited this very moment indeed Dr Dominion is truly a good man, i doubted him from the beginning but right now i can trust him with my all because he has put a beautiful smile on my face and change my life from struggle to millionaire, what would i have done without him, just few months ago i was struggling wondering what would my life turn into, now i am here sharing a wonderful testimony of my life, after i explained my whole situation to him he took me as his own daughter and removed my family from shame, he prepared a lottery winning spell for me with true sincerity and gave me a winning number to play and that was how i won that jackpot, Dr Dominion took away my shame, my pain and my worries, what a humble man with a heart of gold, thank you so much i am very grateful for what you have done for me, should you have any interest in giving it a try or going through any difficulties i think he is the right man to talk to and i believe he can help



Call: +12059642462 +14793955445

Michael Weirsky 15 April 2025

Good day viewers, I wish to share my testimony with all of you. I have daily 9 to 5 jobs, but while I work, I try my luck at playing instant Lotto. On this particular day, I decided to seek help online regarding tips for winning the lottery, and I saw many individuals testifying about Meduza spells. I reached out to him and informed him that I needed help to win the lottery, and he clarified the process to me, stating that after he casts the spell, it will take 48 hours for him to provide me the winning numbers, which I accepted. I followed all his instructions, and he provided me with the numbers to enter the Lottery. After the draw the following morning, I received a notification on the Lottery app on my phone indicating that I was the lucky winner of $273 million on the New Jersey Lottery and I'm here to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Meduza. If you seek for assistance in any aspect of your life, WhatsApp Meduza via +1 (807) 907-2687 or Email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail. com

grace landon 13 April 2025

I was so lucky to win the $1 million prize in the lottery. I have been playing the powerball lottery for about 20 years, and i didn't win any big amount until Dr. Lucas helped me with his spiritual winning numbers, I thought it was all fake until he gave me the numbers and directed me on how to play. He gave me assurance that I was going to win and asked me to give him 48 hours to finish his work, which I did. The third day, he gave me the numbers and gave me instructions on how to play, and luckily, I won. I want to let everyone who is reading this to know that this spell really works and you can also be a winner if you give it a try to see for yourself. The moment you contact Dr Lucas for help is the end of suffering in your life, he has been helping people around the world and I'm happy that I'm among those who has benefited from his great work he's doing, you can reach him if you really want to win the lottery Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail. com Or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 Thank You 

Patricia Watson 9 April 2025

Hi everyone! I hope this post finds you well. Ignorance occurs when you recognize an opportunity but decide to overlook it. Not everything you come across online is false or deceptive. The internet was designed for various purposes to assist individuals globally. I never thought I would discover a spell caster online capable of providing me with guaranteed winning numbers that turned me into a LOTTERY winner of TEN MILLION DOLLARS after I attentively adhered to all his advice and today I’m happy to announce that my financial aspirations was fulfilled with his amazing spell. If you need his help on anything such as to rekindle your ex lover back, to cure any sickness/diseases, to attract prosperity into your life E.T.C, then contact LORD MEDUZA.
Email: Lordmeduzatemple @ hotmail . com
WhatsApp: +1 (807) 907-2687

LORD MEDUZA is the BEST when it comes to spell casting.

emily faye 9 April 2025

I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 1 years and 8 months, and ever since then I have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until I came across testimonies of Dr. Silver on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then I contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr. Silver today on this Email address: drsilverhealingtemple@gmail. com or whatsapp him om +2348120513902

grace landon 7 April 2025

I was so lucky to win the $1 million prize in the lottery. I have been playing the powerball lottery for about 20 years, and i didn't win any big amount until Dr. Lucas helped me with his spiritual winning numbers, I thought it was all fake until he gave me the numbers and directed me on how to play. He gave me assurance that I was going to win and asked me to give him 48 hours to finish his work, which I did. The third day, he gave me the numbers and gave me instructions on how to play, and luckily, I won. I want to let everyone who is reading this to know that this spell really works and you can also be a winner if you give it a try to see for yourself. The moment you contact Dr Lucas for help is the end of suffering in your life, he has been helping people around the world and I'm happy that I'm among those who has benefited from his great work he's doing, you can reach him if you really want to win the lottery Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail. com Or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 Thank You

Mary Robinson 6 April 2025

Good day to everyone reading my post i am a proud lottery winner with help of Dr Kachi who can help you winning the lottery draw, and i have been playing Mega Million for 8years now, Dr Kachi help me to win my lottery ticket $640 Million Dollars in Mega Millions Ticket, i am making this known to everyone out there who have been trying all day to win the lottery jackpot, believe me this is the only way to win the lottery, this is the real secret we all have been searching for. Email drkachispellcast at gmail. com or through Text/Call : +1 (209) 893-8075.

RUTH MARIS 6 April 2025

I used to be a very poor woman who has always not found luck when it comes to playing the lottery. I have been playing the lottery since I was 21 years and now I am 45 meaning I have been playing the lottery for 24 years. The biggest amount I have ever won in my life was 400 bucks. But one day my story turns to history after I find this man's name on the Internet that he is the best when it comes to winning the lottery. This man is a very strong voodoo doc who gives out the numbers that can never fail. After all my years of laboring and struggling to win the lottery i finally won ( $27,000,000) Dr Alli is the name, Email: allispellhelp1 @ gmail. com or contact him on his whatsApp number +2348100772528 this is the only way to win the lottery and the best way

Edwin Dicine 5 April 2025

Hello everyone, my name is Edwin Dicine. Am from Los Angeles California. I want to introduce a good testimonies of Dr Kachi. and i won greatly which I did today I’m here shearing a testimony about this same man Dr Kachi help me to win $45 million dollars, You can also contact Dr Kachi, he might be of help to anyone contact: drkachispellcast @ gmail. com his Text Number and Call: +1 (209) 893-8075

grace landon 2 April 2025

I was so lucky to win the $1 million prize in the lottery. I have been playing the powerball lottery for about 20 years, and i didn't win any big amount until Dr. Lucas helped me with his spiritual winning numbers, I thought it was all fake until he gave me the numbers and directed me on how to play. He gave me assurance that I was going to win and asked me to give him 48 hours to finish his work, which I did. The third day, he gave me the numbers and gave me instructions on how to play, and luckily, I won. I want to let everyone who is reading this to know that this spell really works and you can also be a winner if you give it a try to see for yourself. The moment you contact Dr Lucas for help is the end of suffering in your life, he has been helping people around the world and I'm happy that I'm among those who has benefited from his great work he's doing, you can reach him if you really want to win the lottery Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail. com Or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 Thank You

Daena Dot 1 27 March 2025

Hello from London! After years of playing Euromillions with no success, I contacted Professor Isaac. His spiritual help and lucky numbers helped me win £4.9 million! I never thought it was possible until it happened. If you’re hoping for a breakthrough, Professor Isaac is the one to call.

???? Email: urgentspellcast01 @gmail .com
WhatsApp: +1 (763) 620-3556

Anna Scott 26 March 2025

I’m from Dublin, Ireland, and I just want to say thank you, Professor Isaac! His powerful spiritual help and lucky numbers helped me win €2.7 million on the Irish Lotto. If you’ve been playing with no luck like I did, he’s the one who can change your life. Email: urgentspellcast01@gmail .com WhatsApp: +1 (763) 620-3556

Anna Scott 26 March 2025

I’m from Dublin, Ireland, and I just want to say thank you, Professor Isaac! His powerful spiritual help and lucky numbers helped me win €2.7 million on the Irish Lotto. If you’ve been playing with no luck like I did, he’s the one who can change your life. Email: urgentspellcast01@gmail .com WhatsApp: +1 (763) 620-3556

Dr Ogudugu 18 March 2025

It was a great joy having my wife back again after been separated for four years without a word than divorce which she always wanted and I refuse then she left, I was browsing through the internet when I came across a good review about Dr Ogudugu, I made a contact with him and followed his instructions he assured me within 48 hours my wife will come back home, just like a surprise as he said within 24 to 48hours my wife drove down to my house pleading for we to reconcile and start over again in love and harmony. I strongly recommend Dr Ogudugu to anyone with relationships/marriage problems or depression contact Dr Ogudugu call/WhatsApp +2348163026536, Email: greatogudugu@gmail. com.

Anthony Larson 11 March 2025

Personal growth is important for achieving success in life. All these words were shared with me by Lord Meduza, who performed a spell reading for me and created a lottery spell that turned me into a lottery champion of $112 million here in Arizona. Within 48 hours of adhering to all of Lord Meduza's divine instructions, he granted me the chance to use the divine lottery numbers to enter the lottery after I bought my ticket in Tempe. A week later, I was informed that I had become the fortunate Jackpot winner of the game, and this was all made possible by Lord Meduza. Kindly express my gratitude to him for his impactful words and actions. For a transformative opportunity, you can contact him via
Email: Lordmeduzatemple@hotmail. com
Call/WhatsApp: +1 807 907 2687
You can search him on Facebook via: Lordmeduzatemple

Emily Naomi 9 March 2025

Hi everyone I am Emily Naomi wanna give a big thanks to this wonderful psychic for bringing my husband back to me.. I never really believed in magic spells or anything spiritual but a trusted friend opened my eyes to the truth about life. My marriage was heading to divorce a few months ago. I was so confused and devastated with no clue or help on how to prevent it, till I was introduced to this psychic Priest Ray that did a love spell and broke every spiritual distraction from my marriage. A day later my husband started showing me love and care even better than it used to be, he’s ready to talk things through and find ways for us to stay happy. It’s such a miracle that my marriage can be saved so quickly without stress. You can also contact him for help by email psychicspellshrine@gmail. com or WhatsApp: +27613732619

MABEL ARMADO 1 6 March 2025

I was struggling financially until I met a Spell Caster called Dr Oniha. Desperate for a change, I turned to their powerful lottery spell. Dr Oniha performed the ritual, and I waited anxiously for the results. A few days later, I received an email from the lottery commission - I had won the jackpot! I'm forever grateful to Dr Oniha for changing my life. Their spell was potent, and their guidance was invaluable. If you're seeking good fortune, I highly recommend Dr Oniha. Their spells are effective, and their love for their clients is evident. My life is now filled with abundance and joy, all thanks to Dr Oniha. You can contact him directly through his contacts address.
Email:onihaspelltemple @gmail. com
CALL/Whatsapp number: +16692213962