Neuroscience and the Soul | Prof. James Madden talks about the compatibility of neuroscience with the concept of the soul, exploring Aristotle's perspective on the soul and discussing the philosophical views on realism, nominalism, and universals. The podcast also delves into the mind, soul, and forms in philosophy, and explores the implications of the soul on humanity and ethical debates like abortion.
Neuroscience and traditional soul conceptions can coexist by focusing on distinct attributes of physical and non-physical substances.
Defining the soul as a form that gives unity to living organisms, distinct from composing parts like a desk or a cat.
Philosophical utility of Aristotelian concepts in defining material objects and integrating metaphysical principles with philosophical inquiry.
Deep dives
Thomas Aquinas' Proposal on Philosophy of Mind
Thomas should be aloof to the problems of philosophy of mind to avoid contentious non-materialist arguments with neurosciences. The lecture challenges the expected compatibility issues between neuroscience and traditional soul conceptions, emphasizing the distinctive attributes of physical and non-physical substances.
Nature of the Soul and Concept of Substance Dualism
The lecture delves into defining the soul not as a ghostly conscious entity, but as a form that distinguishes living organisms. It distinguishes between accidental and substantial forms, highlighting how a living thing possesses synchronic and diachronic unity, distinct from its composing parts like a desk or a cat.
Interaction Between Soul and Rational Thinking
Discussion on rationality and potential definition of 'soul' as the form determining the nature of living beings. It extends the inquiry to how the universal definiteness of grasping concepts and logical reasoning might not be fully explained solely by neuroscientific evidence, suggesting a distinction between physical antecedents and deeper subjective understanding.
Philosophical Critique of Computational Theory of Mind
Proposition against viewing humans solely as computational machines due to inherent distinctions in reasoning abilities beyond artificial intelligence replication. Cautions against merging consciousness with artificial intelligence in equating their attributes and suggests limitations in computational models when faced with aspects of universal cognition.
Implications of Soul Presence at Conception
Affirmation of the presence of the 'soul' as denoting the essence of substance, defining the origins of a human organism. Explores the moral and metaphysical implications, emphasizing the conviction that the initial constitution of a human individual at conception signifies the essence of being a human being, irrespective of future theoretical developments.
Compatibility of Material Objects and Philosophy of Mind
Core argument emphasizing the philosophical utility of Aristotelian concepts in defining material objects and their extension to the realm of human consciousness. The discourse navigates through metaphysical interpretations of souls, materiality, and human essence, highlighting the pragmatic benefits of integrating metaphysical principles with philosophical inquiry.
