The Thomistic Institute
Reconciling the Image of God with the Scientific Image of Human Persons | Dr. Daniel De Haan
Mar 31, 2025
Dr. Daniel De Haan, a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, dives into the captivating intersection of theology, philosophy, and neuroscience. He explores profound questions about human nature, the implications of scientific interpretations on the divine image, and the challenges of modern society's secular worldview. De Haan emphasizes the reconciliation of faith and reason, proposing that they work together in the pursuit of truth. His insights on how technology influences our understanding of existence add a contemporary twist to these deep philosophical discussions.
40:35
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Quick takeaways
- Human identity and rationality are deeply shaped by social connections and our developmental dependence on others throughout life.
- The compatibility of faith and reason highlights their joint role in the pursuit of truth, enriching our understanding of reality and ourselves.
Deep dives
Humans as Developing Rational Animals
Humans are conceptualized as developing and dependent rational animals, emphasizing that our rationality is intertwined with our developmental needs and social connections. This perspective highlights that individuals are born reliant on others, forming a web of dependency that shapes their identity and moral framework throughout life. The process of becoming a rational agent is gradual, where practical reasoning is exercised both in conscious decision-making and in spontaneous actions influenced by past experiences. Therefore, rationality is not merely about abstract reasoning but is inherently linked to our embodied experiences and the social influences that guide our understanding of ourselves and others.
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