Chapter 1: The Debate on Consciousness

The concept of the soul continues to serve as a compelling explanation for human consciousness.

By Joshua R. Farris

The conversation around naturalistic explanations of consciousness is evolving, shifting from physicalism to the intriguing territory of panpsychism. Recently, Philip Goff has emerged as a leading advocate for panpsychism, which posits that consciousness is a fundamental quality that pervades all matter, including rocks and atoms. Goff's work, Galileo's Error, has gained notable traction, positioning panpsychism as a middle ground between materialism and dualism. He has further elaborated on this perspective in his latest publication, Why, suggesting that neither atheism nor theism adequately addresses the complexities of consciousness and the universe's origins.

While Goff's arguments are significant, they raise an important question: why does panpsychism present itself as a more viable explanation than the age-old notion of the soul? This ancient concept, which posits that we are souls created by God, seems to be overlooked in current discussions. Surprisingly, Goff and his contemporaries often receive platforms to discuss their views without acknowledging the historical perspectives on the soul and divinity, leaving a notable gap in the discourse.

Amidst the success of panpsychism, there is a noticeable resurgence of interest in dualism and theistic perspectives. For instance, the Humane Philosophy Project has taken strides to promote discussions around dualism and theism, offering a stage for ideas that align with the belief in souls and their compatibility with modern scientific theories. Their recent conference, Minds, Persons, and Cosmos, showcased various thinkers who advocate for the soul as a legitimate framework for understanding consciousness.

Section 1.1: The Reinvigoration of Dualism

Recent literature has highlighted the viability of dualistic theories, countering the predominance of naturalistic views. Notable works such as The Creation of Self by Farris argue for a dualistic understanding of the self as the bearer of consciousness. Farris posits a form of Cartesian dualism, asserting that the soul as an immaterial substance is central to our conscious experiences.

Subsection 1.1.1: Key Contributions in Dualistic Thought

Another significant contribution is Ralph Weir's The Mind-Body Problem and Metaphysics, which examines the challenges posed by property dualism and advocates for substance dualism as a more coherent explanation. Weir’s work engages with philosophical arguments from thinkers like Descartes, illustrating that if we accept the possibility of zombies (beings devoid of consciousness), we should also entertain the concept of souls, or "ghosts."

Chapter 2: The Intersection of Science and Theism

The first video, "A Spirit of Optimism and Joy," explores the uplifting ideas surrounding the soul and consciousness, offering a refreshing perspective on these enduring topics.

The second video, "Not Just Being Optimistic," delves deeper into the philosophical implications of optimism in the context of dualism and theism, challenging viewers to rethink conventional narratives.

In conclusion, the current discourse surrounding consciousness not only underscores the inadequacies of physicalist and atheistic frameworks but also revitalizes the conversation around the soul and theism. There is a growing body of literature that affirms the richness of these traditional concepts, suggesting they deserve a place in contemporary philosophical debates.

— Joshua R. Farris (PhD) is an ordained minister and the Humboldt Experienced Researcher Fellow at the University of Bochum. He has contributed significantly to the discourse on the soul and consciousness through his works, including The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul.