We Are Not Our Brain (Muhammad Faruque and Esme Partridge)
May 31, 2024
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Muhammad Faruque and Esme Partridge challenge the materialist view of the self in this podcast. They discuss the limitations of reducing self to brain functions, explore the historical development of thermometry, and advocate for a holistic perspective beyond neuroexistentialism.
Challenging brain-centric view of self with holistic Islamic perspective.
Critiquing reductionist neuroexistentialism and emphasizing interconnected spiritual nature of human identity.
Deep dives
Challenging the Dominant Scientific Understanding of the Self
The podcast delves into the provocative idea that challenges the prevailing scientific view of the self as just the brain. In today's context, popular media often emphasizes brain-centric expressions, neglecting the holistic nature of individuals. This reductionist approach rooted in modern scientific revolutions and neuroscience tends to overlook the intricate complexities of human identity beyond mere physicality.
Critiquing the Reductionist View and Neuroexistentialism
The episode critiques the reductionist and neuroexistentialist perspective, highlighting the existential anxiety that arises from reducing human experiences to neurochemical processes. This view, heavily influenced by materialism, overlooks the spiritual and interconnected aspects of human existence, leading to a limited understanding of consciousness and selfhood. The podcast questions the validity and implications of such reductionism in capturing the true essence of human nature.
Proposing a Holistic Alternative Grounded in Islamic Philosophy
Introducing a holistic alternative rooted in Islamic philosophical traditions, the episode explores a more interconnected view of the self. Contrasting the reductionist model, the holistic approach acknowledges the intertwining of the macrocosm (cosmos), microcosm (self), and metacosm (divine order). By embracing this holistic perspective, the podcast suggests a deeper understanding of the self as part of a grander cosmic structure, fostering spiritual growth and interconnectedness.
Reflecting on the Richness of a Holistic Self-Concept
The episode underscores the multifaceted nature of the holistic view by attributing human experiences to a broader spiritual and cosmic framework. Embracing the connection between the self and the divine order, represented by the metacosm, the podcast emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual progression and self-improvement. By presenting the self as an integral part of a larger cosmic design, this alternative paradigm offers an antidote to neuroexistentialism and advocates for a more profound understanding of human identity.