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Theism, Dualism, and the Scientific Image of Humanity
Author(s) -
Schouten Maurice K. D.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
zygon®
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 1467-9744
pISSN - 0591-2385
DOI - 10.1111/0591-2385.00391
Subject(s) - reductionism , dualism , physicalism , epistemology , consciousness , humanity , philosophy , theism , argument (complex analysis) , commit , philosophy of mind , philosophy of science , metaphysics , computer science , theology , database , biochemistry , chemistry
Recently, some philosophers of religion have suggested that a reduction of the classical image of humanity may jeopardize classical theism. To obstruct reductionism, some theologians have argued for dualism on the basis of the argument of consciousness. In this essay, I argue that even consciousness must be considered a brain‐based phenomenon. This does not commit one to reductionism, however. Nonreductive physicalism appears to offer a promising alternative to either dualism or reductionism, without necessarily compromising more traditional views of humanity. I do suggest that a modification of the classical image of God may be inevitable.