Creational Problems for Soul-Emergence from Matter: Philosophical and Theological Concerns
Joshua R. Farris
Neue Zeitschrift für Systematische Theologie und Religionsphilosophie September 3, 2018 DOI: 10.1515/nzsth-2018-0023 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that the two most prominent emergence theories of mental origins, those of Timothy O'Connor and William Hasker, each encounter noteworthy problems, and proposes that some form of Creationism deserves attention as a solution that also preserves the benefits of emergentism. |
Abstract
Summary Discussions on soul origins are perceived as antiquated at best. However, there is a recent resurgence of interest in the nature and origins of the mind. This is due in part to the recent developments on the nature of “emergent” properties and/or substances in the contemporary literature on the philosophy of mind. As a contribution to this discussion, I examine the two most prominent theories of mental origins (e. g., Timothy O’Connor and William Hasker) and find that each encounter some noteworthy problems. With these in mind, I recommend that some form of Creationism deserves our attention. It provides a solution to the various philosophical and theological concerns associated with the previously mentioned emergence theories of the mind. Finally, I lay out a more satisfying theory of the soul’s creation in a way that accounts for the benefits of emergentism.