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The Thomistic Institute

The Compatibility of Neuroscience And The Soul | Prof. James Madden

Apr 23, 2024
Prof. James Madden discusses the compatibility of neuroscience and the soul, exploring the traditional view of the soul, Aristotle's concept of the unmoved mover, and the distinction between matter and form. The conversation extends to deductive reasoning, the relationship between the soul and the body, and perspectives on self-identity, touching on topics like personal narratives, defining death, and rejecting bodily desires for spiritual goodness.
01:25:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The traditional view of souls as separate substances from the body doesn't align with neuroscience's perspective on consciousness and bodily integration.
  • Soul as a substantial form provides integrity beyond physical structures, highlighting the distinction between material and living forms.

Deep dives

Existence and Nature of the Soul

The podcast discusses the compatibility of neuroscience and the concept of the soul. It delves into the traditional perspective that views souls as substances separate from the body, handling conscious attributes. The speaker argues that souls are fundamentally misunderstood, typically associated with consciousness and bodily separation, leading to an incompatible stance with neuroscience.

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