How does the body contribute to the soul? On today’s episode, host Michael Egnor and theologian Dr. Joshua Farris discuss the implications of a neo-Cartesian understanding of the human soul on divisive cultural issues such as transgenderism and abortion. Farris, author of the recent book The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul, argues that the body supplies certain controls and powers to the soul, and that separating the body from the soul would do harm to the soul. He also addresses the question of when ensoulment occurs in human development and explores the idea of switching souls among identical twins and the challenges it poses to philosophies of mind-body dualism. He concludes by discussing the rise in popularity of metaphysical theories and their connection to cultural issues.

Additional Resources

• Get a copy of Minding the Brain, a new book on the mind and the brain with chapters by Dr. Michael Egnor and Dr. Joshua Farris
• Michael Egnor is a Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics at State University of New York, Stony Brook, has served as the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery, and award-winning brain surgeon.
• Podcast: The Person as “Immaterial Substance”, Part 1 with Joshua Farris.
• Podcast: What Makes Humans Unique?, Part 2 with Joshua Farris.