Neurosurgeon Michael Egnor, known for his insights on the brain and the immaterial mind, joins anthropologist Dr. Joshua Farris, who delves into the philosophical and theological implications of consciousness. They engage in a fascinating exploration of Descartes' dualism and its ongoing relevance in modern thought. The pair also tackle the intricate relationship between faith and certainty, questioning how beliefs shape our understanding of existence. Their discussion blends neuroscience with profound philosophical inquiry, making for an enlightening exchange.
Dr. Joshua Farris emphasizes that Descartes' foundational ideas continue to shape contemporary discussions on consciousness and personal identity.
The podcast highlights the enduring relevance of individual reflective experience in framing modern epistemological debates around certainty and knowledge acquisition.
Deep dives
Interplay Between Philosophy of Mind and Theology
The paper explores the relationship between the philosophy of mind and theological anthropology, emphasizing how cognitive science can contribute to theological understanding. Dr. Farris argues that contemporary discussions in philosophy often overlook the foundational ideas set forth by Descartes, which continue to influence modern debates on personal identity and consciousness. By integrating historical philosophical insights with contemporary analytic philosophy, he suggests that Descartes’ ideas serve as a critical backdrop for current discussions surrounding theism. This interplay reveals not only the relevance of historical thought but also its implications for understanding consciousness and the nature of the mind.
Descartes' Legacy: Problems and Insights
Dr. Farris critiques the notion that Descartes created philosophical problems rather than solving them, asserting that his exploration of mental properties has significantly shaped contemporary thought. He highlights how modern issues surrounding qualia and the mind-body relationship echo the dilemmas faced by Descartes, suggesting that many contemporary solutions may inadvertently lead back to Cartesian dualism. Farris argues that the philosophical landscape today still bears the 'ghost' of Descartes' ideas, demonstrating their enduring influence. This examination of Descartes' thoughts prompts a reevaluation of his contributions to discussions about consciousness, suggesting that his insights remain relevant in addressing modern philosophical challenges.
Foundationalism and Epistemological Authority
The discussion addresses foundationalism, a concept stemming from Descartes' quest to counter philosophical skepticism by asserting the subject's authority in knowledge acquisition. Dr. Farris describes how Descartes’ emphasis on the individual's reflective experience provides a basis for understanding knowledge and its certainty, which remains a topic of debate in contemporary philosophy. He notes that this self-awareness ultimately reaffirms the significance of the individual's consciousness, shaping modern epistemological discussions. This analysis underscores the importance of the subjective experience in establishing claims of knowledge, highlighting Descartes' pivotal role in framing philosophical inquiry into the nature of certainty.
What can modern neuroscience teach us about the immaterial mind? Can we ever know anything for certain? In this episode, neurosurgeon Michael Egnor talks with anthropologist Dr. Joshua Farris. They discuss the brain, Descartes, and the theological implications of the various philosophies of mind. Additional Resources