What does Gilbert Ryle mean when he refers to ‘the ghost in the machine’?1 pointThe possible existence of supernatural beingsThe idea of machines gaining sentienceThe idea that mental states are hidden and private causes of our behavioursThe idea that our brain controls our body

Gilbert Ryle's concept of 'the ghost in the machine' is a philosophical critique against the traditional dualistic view of the mind-body relationship. This dualistic view, often attributed to René Descartes, suggests that the mind (or soul) and the body are two distinct entities, with the mind controlling the body like a puppeteer controls a puppet.

Ryle coined the term 'the ghost in the machine' to mock this view. He argued that the mind is not a separate entity controlling the body, but rather that mental states are simply a way of talking about certain kinds of behavior. In other words, there is no 'ghost' in the machine of our bodies, no hidden entity that controls our actions. Instead, our mental states are just descriptions of our behavior.

So, the correct answer to your question is: "The idea that mental states are hidden and private causes of our behaviors".