Mind-Body Philosophy of the East and West - Spiritual Dualism in the History of Thought
Explore the historical evolution and philosophical implications of the mind-body problem in this 32-minute video lecture. Delve into the concept of the soul from ancient Greek and Biblical perspectives, tracing its development through various philosophical and religious traditions. Examine how the soul concept has been interpreted and transformed over time, from Homer and Plato to the Pythagoreans and early Christian thinkers. Investigate the intertwining of Greek and Christian philosophies and their impact on Western thought. Analyze the trajectory of the soul concept in psychology, including the contributions of Descartes and William James. Discover why contemporary brain science and philosophy of mind have largely dismissed the concept of the soul, and consider the implications for our understanding of consciousness and human existence.