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The Dissenter

#982 Joseph LeDoux - The Four Realms of Existence: A New Theory of Being Human

Aug 19, 2024
Joseph LeDoux, a renowned neuroscientist and author, discusses his groundbreaking theory in The Four Realms of Existence. He critiques mind-brain dualism and explores insights from split-brain studies that challenge our understanding of consciousness and free will. LeDoux delves into the interplay between cognition and emotion, revealing how narratives shape human behavior. He also examines the four realms—bodily, neural, cognitive, and conscious—and their evolutionary relationships, providing new perspectives on the complexities of identity and mental health.
01:02:37

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Quick takeaways

  • The critique of mind-body dualism emphasizes the need for scientific inquiry to focus on empirical phenomena rather than outdated philosophical concepts.
  • Research on split-brain patients reveals a duality in consciousness, suggesting that multiple narratives shape individual experiences and self-awareness.

Deep dives

Mind-Body Dualism and Its Scientific Rejection

The discourse around mind-body dualism is critiqued for its outdated philosophical roots, particularly the interactionist view popularized by Descartes. The speaker argues that in modern science, where the physical properties of atoms and DNA are well understood, seeking a non-physical spirit within the brain lacks empirical support. Scientific inquiries should focus on physical phenomena, as non-physical concepts are not subject to empirical research. The discussion emphasizes that while philosophy can provide conceptual frameworks, scientific theories need to evolve based on discoveries rather than cling to outdated philosophical ideas.

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