Is mind-body dualism responsible for the illusion that we have a soul?

Question

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Mind-Body dualism is the idea that one's consciousness exists separate from one's biological body and brain.

In language, this is demonstrated by the sentence, "I have a body" (rather than the non-dualistic sentence, "I am a body").

But research into subjects who have suffered brain injuries indicates that consciousness is inextricably linked to your physical brain.

Has the phrasing of our language deluded humans into believing that our thoughts exist unattached to our physical bodies?

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Answer 1

Yes, it is. Humans are dualistic by nature. Children are dualistic. Fortunately, however, once we learn about human anatomy and brain function, we learn that what we think is "another" is just our way of dealing with being existent.

"I think, therefore I am."

Dawkins addresses this in "The God Delusion", excellent reading.

Answer 2

A neat part on morality: Morality While taking refuge or finding personal meaning in a conventional religion offers the prospect of some repose and a set of instructions for moral and right action, the issue always rises of how that system explains or justifies the evil in the world, especially the violence done by humans to each other and their environment. Evolutionary explanations of why humans have developed aggressive, xenophobic, and genocidal tendencies offer a 'why' for these behaviors, but don't offer an obvious set of instructions for moral and right action. We humans generate an array of aggressive, affiliative, curious behaviors seen also in higher mammals, but we posses also the remarkable ability to have some insight into, and choice about, their operations. Thus we are able to become moral agents, rather than moral patients, and chose those behaviors that are most life affirming - to become our own gods. Such a course, a training of the introspective intelligence required for insight and choice, is a much more arduous option than adopting the simple precepts of an established culture or religion. But, it is more likely to create humans who can extend their compassion and caring beyond the tribal and cultural boundaries that are the origins of intolerance.

Answer 3

I see no dualism. The consciousness does not exist without the organic mind processes of the thinking brain. The soul is nothing more than an illusion created by abstract thought.

Answer 4

Yes, you'd think in this day and age with all we know about neurobiology people would grow out of it but people still cling to their ignorance.

Scientifically literate people tend to find it silly when people swap 'minds' on TV and movies - to think the same way they'd have to have the same brain, neural structure, all those trillions of connections between neurones, identical chemical synapses. Dualists believe in the little magical homunculus who drives us like a vehicle and gets out when we die. I think consciousness is an emergent feature. That's why scientists haven't been able to find the centre of it yet.

Not many theists will answer this because it sounds complicated and most of them are ignorant morons.

Answer 5

No one said that mind body dualism means we have a soul. Of course your mind and body are seperate. Dont you feel that you have a soul? whether I believe in God or not - I have a soul.

Answer 6

Illusion is correct. But it's electrical signals through synapses in the brain.

Answer 7

The evidence for a soul is life. Animals have a sensative soul and plants a vegitative soul that expires upon death. It is only the intellectual soul that remains eternal.

Answer 8

if people said I am a body, they could also say I am a soul

excellent question

Answer 9

Where do you think your thoughts come from? Are they all yours? Are you sure? Have you tested your theory? What was your control?