In the Wake of the Soul’s Return
Alireza K. Ziarani, Ali N. Valizadeh
Philosophical studies series 2026 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-14134-7_13 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | The authors argue that their study's results refute the strong artificial life and strong artificial intelligence hypotheses, bear on origin-of-life research and the modern evolutionary synthesis, and support a strong position against physicalism, panpsychism, Cartesian dualism, and vitalism, while offering fresh perspectives on the Neoplatonic criticism of the Aristotelian doctrine of the soul. |
Abstract
This chapter presents a discussion of some of the consequences that our study brings in its wake for science and philosophy. The results of our study squarely refute the strong artificial life and strong artificial intelligence hypotheses and have a significant bearing on other fields of scientific inquiry such the origin of life research and the modern evolutionary synthesis. We will also comment on the shortcomings of the design argument. On the philosophical side, our findings support a strong position against physicalism, panpsychism, Cartesian dualism and vitalism. Rejoining the Platonic doctrine of cosmology, our study offers fresh perspectives on the Neoplatonic criticism of the Aristotelian doctrine of the soul.