

Michael Egnor X Christof Koch X Michael Shermer | A Debate on the Mind, Soul, and the Afterlife
43 snips Jun 25, 2025
In a riveting discussion, neurosurgeon Michael Egnor and neuroscientist Christof Koch tackle the profound questions surrounding the mind, soul, and consciousness. Egnor argues for a dualistic view informed by Thomistic philosophy, while Koch brings insights from neuroscience about the nature of consciousness. They delve into the implications of brain anomalies on faith, the complexities of artificial intelligence, and the nuances of near-death experiences. Their debate challenges listeners to rethink existence, free will, and what it means to be human.
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Remarkable Brain Damage Cases
- Michael Egnor describes a girl missing two-thirds of her brain yet living a normal life.
- He sees patients who defy brain damage expectations in daily function and cognitive abilities.
Soul as Life's Form
- Michael Egnor supports Aristotelian hylomorphism where soul and body form a unified substance.
- The soul is defined as the sum of life activities, not a mystical ghost-like entity.
Consciousness Ends with Brain
- Christof Koch believes consciousness and personal identity cease when the brain dies.
- He sees no current evidence consciousness survives bodily death or brain destruction.