Throughout history, there has been a widespread belief in the existence of the soul, separate from the physical body, highlighting its significance in comprehending human nature.
The rise of materialism and scientific reductionism led to the dismissal of the soul as a legitimate concept, but recent developments in philosophy and science challenge this rejection.
Studies in cognitive science and developmental psychology suggest that humans naturally hold a belief in the existence of the soul, indicating its deep-rooted presence in human nature and hinting at the possibility of an afterlife.
Deep dives
The Importance of the Soul in Understanding Human Nature
The podcast explores the significance of the soul in comprehending human nature. Throughout history, there has been a widespread belief in the existence of the soul, separate from the physical body. This belief is deeply rooted in various cultures and religions. While contemporary thinkers and scientists often dismiss the idea of the soul, there are still compelling reasons to consider its existence. The soul is seen as the essence of a person, responsible for subjective experiences, consciousness, and individuality. Materialistic explanations fall short in capturing the complexities of human consciousness, personal identity, and the transcendent nature of our experiences.
The Shift in Modern Thought towards Disbelief in the Soul
The podcast discusses the transition from a near-universal belief in the soul to the modern expectation that serious thinkers and scientists should reject the idea. The shift in thinking can be traced back to the rise of materialism and scientific reductionism, which prioritize the physical and observable aspects of reality. The dominance of scientific methods and the rejection of immaterial entities led to a dismissal of the soul as a legitimate concept. However, recent developments in philosophy and science have brought forth new perspectives and challenges to this rejection, reviving the discussion about the existence and significance of the soul.
The Materialist Explanation for Consciousness
The podcast explores the materialist position on consciousness, which seeks to explain conscious experiences solely through neural mechanisms and brain activity. Materialists argue that consciousness is a byproduct of physical processes in the brain and can be fully explained by studying neural correlates. However, this reductionist approach fails to fully capture the subjective nature of consciousness and the unique aspects of individual experiences. Materialistic explanations also struggle to account for the existence of reasons, desires, and the complexity of human consciousness, ultimately falling short in providing a comprehensive understanding of the mind and self.
The Innate Belief in the Soul and its Significance
The podcast highlights studies in cognitive science and developmental psychology that suggest humans naturally hold a belief in the existence of the soul. This innate inclination towards dualism and the idea of a soul is present across cultures and even among children. It indicates that the belief in the soul is deeply ingrained in human nature. This innate belief serves as a powerful argument for the reality and significance of the soul, challenging materialistic explanations and hinting at the possibility of an afterlife and a transcendent nature to human existence.
The Neo-Cartesian View of the Soul and its Implications
The podcast presents the neo-Cartesian view of the soul, which emphasizes the irreducibility of subjective experiences and highlights the particularity and individuality of human beings. This view acknowledges the dependence of the soul on the body and the brain while recognizing the unique nature of the soul as the locus of personal identity and conscious experiences. In contrast to other competing views, the neo-Cartesian perspective offers a compelling framework for understanding the soul and its role in explaining aspects of human nature that materialistic and naturalistic approaches fail to fully address.
For most of history, nearly everybody has agreed that human beings survive the deaths of our bodies. But somewhere along the way, materialism rose to dominance, and we became nothing but bodies. What’s the truth? Shane welcomes Dr. Joshua Farris, author of The Creation of Self, to make a robust case for the soul.
Show Notes:
The critical theories that dominate our cultural vocabulary aren't “just” theories. They form an entire worldview that fundamentally contradicts the good, true, and beautiful worldview of Christianity. Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer’s latest book, Critical Dilemma, can help you understand and respond to the bad ideas of Critical Theory with discernment and truth. Request your copy this month with a gift of any amount at colsoncenter.org/upcriticaldilemma.
