The Thomistic Institute
What is the Soul, and When Does It Come To Be? | Prof. James Madden
Apr 24, 2024
Philosophy expert Prof. James Madden challenges modern views on consciousness and self-awareness, exploring traditional Aristotelian and Thomistic beliefs on the soul not being connected to consciousness. He discusses the concept of the soul as form in philosophy, distinguishing living beings from their physical components. The podcast also delves into the limitations of AI in understanding consciousness, using the Chinese room experiment to illustrate the difference between mimicking and truly possessing self-awareness.
46:36
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Quick takeaways
- The concept of a soul in Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions is often misunderstood in contemporary philosophy, as it is more abstract and defines a living entity's nature.
- Human souls in philosophical frameworks signify the kind of organism and its unique attributes, establishing a categorization based on inherent nature.
Deep dives
Definition of Soul in Philosophy
In traditional philosophical perspectives like Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions, the concept of a soul is examined. It is highlighted that the term 'soul' is often misunderstood in contemporary philosophy and linked to characteristics like self-consciousness, future planning, and psychological traits. The controversy arises when defining a soul's presence from conception to natural death, challenging the idea that all human beings possess souls throughout their entire lifespan.
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