What is Gilbert Ryle’s critique of dualism?

Gilbert Ryle's critique of dualism is centered on the idea of a category error. He argues that the traditional mind-body dualism, particularly as articulated by philosophers like Descartes, mistakenly treats mental states as if they belong to the same category as physical objects. Instead of recognizing that mental processes are about how we behave and respond in various situations, dualism suggests a separation between the mind and body, leading to confusion about what it means to speak of the 'mind' as if it is an entity distinct from the 'body'.

Ryle uses the example of the "ghost in the machine" to illustrate this critique, emphasizing that referring to the mind as a separate being or substance misrepresents the nature of human behavior. According to Ryle, the mind should not be seen as a separate entity but rather as a way to describe the activities and capabilities of a person. This perspective effectively challenges dualism by asserting that it does not accurately account for the complexity of human behavior and experiences, hence identifying it as a category error.

Understanding Ryle's critique helps to appreciate the philosophical discussions about the mind and body, moving away from simplistic interpretations that divide physical and mental states too starkly.