^TagConjoined twins

^{Type
post

Author
News
Date
October 4, 2022

Categorized
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Medicine and Health

Tagged
Artificial intelligence designing molecules, Conjoined twins, International Space Station (ISS), Robotic surgery, Sepsis and machine learning, Virtual reality in surgery}

Would You Trust a Robot To Do Surgery on You?

_{If you were an astronaut, you may not have an alternative} _{News

October 4, 2022

4

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Medicine and Health}

We’ve heard about how Watson flopped in medicine — and yet a remote surgical robot is going to the International Space Station: On Earth, this technology already allows doctors to assist people in faraway locations where services are not readily available. However, the MIRA technology has the added benefit of performing operations autonomously, meaning that astronauts serving on the Moon and Mars could receive medical care without the need for a human surgeon. Matt Williams, “A Remote Surgical Robot is Going to the International Space Station” at Universe Today (August 8, 2022) Integrating AI and medicine is a complex dance. The Virtual Incision machine, slated for 2024, is part of a program to enable long-term life in space: “NASA has Read More ›

^{Type
post

Author
News
Date
May 29, 2021

Categorized
Neuroscience, Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind

Tagged
Abby and Brittany Hensel, Angus Menuge, Conjoined twins, Dualism (and personal identity), Featured, Individuality, Michael Egnor, Personal identity, Robert J. Marks, Too-Many-Thinkers Problem in philosophy}

Life in the Plural: If There Were Two of You, Would “You” Exist?

_{According to philosopher Angus Menuge, there can’t be two of you, because two things cannot be one thing.} _{News

May 29, 2021

5

Neuroscience, Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind}

In the third podcast of the series, “Unity of Consciousness,” Walter Bradley Center director Robert J. Marks interviews Angus Menuge, professor and chair of philosophy at Concordia University, on unique features of human consciousness, including the fact that our experiences are a unity, which has prompted some interesting thought experiments, for example those of Richard Swinburne. But here’s another one: What if there really were two of you? https://episodes.castos.com/mindmatters/Angus-Menuge-Episode-3-rev1.mp3 This portion begins at 06:49 min. A partial transcript, Show Notes, and Additional Resources follow. Robert J. Marks: What is the idea of “too many thinkers” in philosophy? Angus Menuge (pictured): The simple view of personal identity is that your soul or your mind is always you. That’s a dualist view. Read More ›

Anatomy human body model. Part of human body model with organ system.

^{Type
post

Author
Michael Egnor
Date
March 14, 2021

Categorized
Medicine and Health, Philosophy of Mind

Tagged
Brain tissue, Conjoined twins, Featured, Head transplants, Human chimeras, Hybrid brains, Intelligent Design, Organ transplants, Robert White (head transplants), Spinal cord tissue, Transplantation}

Are Human Brain Transplants Even Possible?

_{What would be the outcome if one person received transplants from the brains of others? If it’s not possible, there may be a good reason why not} _{Michael Egnor

March 14, 2021

7

Medicine and Health, Philosophy of Mind}

Earlier this week, I discussed the work of Dr. Robert White, a neurosurgeon in the mid-20th century who did extensive research on head transplants in animals. The operation sometimes worked, most notably in monkeys. But it has never been done in humans, mostly because head transplantation would mean cutting the spinal cord, which would cause complete and permanent paralysis. The most reasonable perspective on the soul is that it is the active principle of the body — that is, the soul is what the body does. Thus soul follows function. From this perspective, I infer that after a head transplant, I would see with my original eyes, hear with my original ears, etc. If I were able to move my Read More ›

Electrocardiogram in hospital surgery operating emergency room showing patient heart rate with blur team of surgeons background

^{Type
post

Author
Michael Egnor
Date
March 10, 2021

Categorized
Neuroscience, Philosophy of Mind

Tagged
Body (ownership concept), Brain transplants (partial), Conjoined twins, Featured, Head transplants, Heart transplants, metaphysics, Organ transplants, Quadriplegia, Robert White (head transplants), Sensations (following head transplant), Soul (concept)}

Are Head Transplants Soul Transplants?

_{Specifically, if your head were transplanted, would your soul go with it?} _{Michael Egnor

March 10, 2021

7

Neuroscience, Philosophy of Mind}

Wired offers a fascinating article about Dr. Robert White, a neurosurgeon in the mid-20th century who was famous for his extensive research on head transplants. He transplanted heads of various animals, often unsuccessfully (many animals died) but with some success, particularly with monkeys. The medical, ethical, and sociological issues are interesting in themselves, but I’ll focus here on the metaphysical issues. Specifically, if your head is transplanted, does your soul go with it? First, it worth noting that head transplantation is difficult surgery but doable. We know how to sew blood vessels together, how to fuse spinal bones, how to attach tracheas and muscles and peripheral nerves. Transplantation of an entire head (or an entire body, depending on your perspective) Read More ›