The Self, death, and Afterlife Intro to Religion

Dualism The self is composed of two substances, usually conceived as the mind (or soul) and the body. Substances (mind-body) dualism – Descartes – “the ghost in the machine” Thomistic dualism – Aquinas – the soul as “source of life and ordering principle.

Materialism Self is composed of the physical only. There is no immaterial soul or mind Identity theory – mental properties are physical properties. The “mind” is just activity of the brain Functionalism – A black box with inputs and outputs – a living computer

Monistic pantheism The self is unified with reality, which does not have any distinctions. Also, everything is God. Advaita Vedanta (Hinduism) The reality of Brahman The illusion of Maya The enlightenment of Moksha The truth of Atman

No-Self or Anatman The self does not exist, for nothing has individual or independent existence There is no substances Buddhist metaphysics Belief in substantial self is illusory The illusory effects of karma can be overcome through enlightenment

Reincarnation and Karma Reincarnation is the view that the conscious self transmigrates from one physical body to the next after death Karma – usually connected with the doctrine of reincarnation. Karma is the idea that we reap the good and bad consequences of our actions, either in this life or in another. The law of the universe.

Immortality and Resurrection The nature of God – human aspirations to understand God’s Love is infinite The nature of the Soul – Plato Near Death experiences are widely experienced and have common characteristics.

Arguments against Immortality Dependency on the brain Physical brains are necessary for consciousness Personal identity – we are distinguished by physical features How is one soul distinguished from another? Eternal misery – eternal life might well be boring, pointless, and unfulfilling. An important concern for all belief systems Cultural expectations may influence near-death experiences.

Questions for Discussion Do you believe in the after death? Do you agree with the claim that eternal life would be pointless and boring? Do you agree think science should intervene and attempt to make humans immortal?