Philosophy / Science / Religion

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

What's unprovable is that there is anything OTHER than the physical realities of the universe that could possibly be at work.

Added to quotes.

I'd add - we have measured the chemicals and electric signals in our brains using all kinds of methods. We have experimented with hindering these actions and found that they impede not only basic motor skills but also sense of self. There are hundreds of named diseases and injuries that affect how we think and feel.

I'm curious - if you believe that our "point of view", "sense of self", "decision-making", etc are all rooted in a Spirit or Soul, then what of people who are autistic? People with acute autism do not understand that they are people and that others are people as well. Do they have autistic souls? What of the millions of others who have accidents or illnesses that harm their personalities?

Originally Posted by Alex

I, however, don't see determinism as dehumanizing, any more than learning that the origin of thunder and lightning is a purely physical process (as opposed to supernatural) makes them less impressive. Frankly, if anything, I find it more amazing that whatever we perceive as consciousness is an emergent process than if we just waived our hands in the air and proclaim it "magic."

Agreed.