The Thomistic Institute

Does Modern Neuroscience Disprove the Existence of the Soul? | Dr. Paul LaPenna

Jul 5, 2024

Neurologist Dr. Paul LaPenna discusses the intersection between neuroscience and religious beliefs, historical advancements in science, Cartesian dualism, limitations of physicalism, and the concept of soul as the form actualizing potential in living beings. He emphasizes the unity of body and soul as a unique aspect of human beings.

01:07:38

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Episode guests

Paul LaPenna

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Quick takeaways

Neuroscience explores Christianity's claims about human nature, seeking common ground.

Descartes' mechanistic view leads to Cartesian dualism, separating body from mind.

Neuroscience's progress reveals brain regions responsible for cognitive functions, shaping philosophical interpretations of human nature.

Deep dives

Understanding the Complexity of the Human Brain

The human brain is an intricate organ with 86 billion neurons, quadrillions of connections, and billions of support cells. Despite its complexity, it remains incompletely understood. Neuroscience explores claims in Christianity and Catholicism about human nature, seeking common ground.

Intro

2min

Exploration of Historical Developments in Science and Shift in Scientific Thinking

2min

Mechanistic Conception of Nature and Cartesian Dualism: Mind vs. Body

34min

Exploring the Relationship Between Brain Functions and Personal Identity

2min

Challenging Materialism in Medicine

25min

Exploring the Nature of Human Beings and the Image of God

2min

This lecture was given on April 4th, 2024, at Indiana University.

For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Paul LaPenna is a neurologist in Greenville, SC and is a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus. Dr. LaPenna completed his neurology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. His skill set is focused on treatment of neurological emergencies and performing and interpreting electrophysiological studies of the brain and peripheral nervous system. He is currently the Director of Stroke at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Greenville, SC.

As an Associate Professor of Neurology, Dr. LaPenna has won numerous teaching awards, including Clinical Medicine Professor of the Neuroscience Curriculum from 2019-2022. For the 2020-2021 academic year, Dr. LaPenna was awarded Preceptor of the Year. For his care towards patients, he was elected to the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2016.

Dr. LaPenna has an interest in the relationship between science and faith—in particular, the relationship between neuroscience and the soul, neuroscience and free will, and the overreaching claims of science. In addition, Dr. LaPenna speaks on the problem of suffering and the dignity of the human person. Saint Thomas Aquinas has been a major influence in Dr. LaPenna’s intellectual and faith journey.

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The Thomistic Institute

Does Modern Neuroscience Disprove the Existence of the Soul? | Dr. Paul LaPenna

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding the Complexity of the Human Brain

Historical Perspectives on Scientific Revolution

Exploring René Descartes' Mechanistic Conception of Nature

Neuroscience Advancements in Understanding Brain Functions

Metaphysical Considerations of Human Nature and Divine Image

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts