From this it can be seen how the problems faced by the dualist are avoided. For instance, since there is no separate, distinct mental substance, there is no problem of interaction. Identity theory explains the interaction of mind and body as the interaction of physical processes in the brain and parts of the body via the nervous system.

Another problem with dualism is the complexity of the model. If we take a typical example of seeing a car, we are faced with a number of parts to the model:

I. The object (in this case a car)
II. Input through the senses (the sense experience)
III. Interpretation of sense experience by the brain (neurological activity)
IV. Production of a mental picture (an idea)
V. The viewing of the mental picture by an independent self

Though not all dualists would subscribe to this view, it does show how complicated such a view can be.