Which Theory of Mind Best Explains Reality? More with Dr. J.P. Moreland
Is reality merely the sum of our primitive parts? Or is there something greater that informs and unifies us? On today’s episode, guest host Pat Flynn continues a conversation with Dr. J.P. Moreland to discuss the implications of competing metaphysical theories of the mind and which theory best accounts for the existence of the soul. In this segment, Moreland and Flynn focus on the differences between physicalism and dualism. Physicalists believe reality is composed of primitive physical parts that aggregate into larger composites, while substance dualists argue for the existence of an ontologically prior substance or “soul” that informs and unifies the parts. Moreland argues that substance dualism provides a better account for the enduring identity of persons through change, as well as the unity required for rational thought and reasoning. This is Part 2 of a three-part conversation.
Additional Resources
- Listen to Part 1 of this conversion: Foundations of the Soul: A Conversation with J.P. Moreland
- Minding the Brain: Models of the Mind, Information, and Empirical Science
- J.P. Moreland at https://www.jpmoreland.com/
- Pat Flynn’s Philosophy for the People podcast
