
American Thought Leaders Does the Soul Exist Outside the Brain? Insights from a Neurosurgeon | Dr. Michael Egnor
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Dec 5, 2025 Dr. Michael Egnor, a pediatric neurosurgeon and author, challenges conventional neuroscience, arguing for the soul's existence beyond the brain. He discusses his transformative journey from atheism to dualism, revealing that reason and free will aren't just brain functions. Egnor references historical insights and presents compelling case studies, like individuals functioning without large brain sections. He also explores near-death experiences, emphasizing their scientific significance and implications for understanding consciousness.
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Brain Explains Some But Not All Mind
- Michael Egnor argues the brain explains some mental functions but not all of the mind.
- He concludes an aspect of the mind is not from the brain and points to a soul.
Reason And Free Will Not Evoked By Brain Stimulation
- Electrical brain activity (seizures, stimulation) evokes movement, perception, memory, and emotion but never reason or free will.
- Egnor infers reason and free will are immaterial powers not produced by brain sparks.
Patients With Missing Brain Tissue Function Normally
- Michael Egnor recounts seeing patients with large missing brain parts who functioned normally.
- He describes it like a laptop missing its hard drive yet still working, prompting deep questions.





