brain/mind or soul?
I think this is the most fundamental question of our time as it defines who we are as humans and has profound implications in behavioral medicine, psychiatry, psychology, sociology, political science , forensics, philosophy and almost every thing else. If you think I am overstating the point just watch some of the reruns of ‘Law and Order’! Our dramatic advances in neuroscience and much hyped success of biological interventions in behavior have led some to believe that we are close to deciphering human behavior and motivation solely based on brain chemistry. I admit that for now this is the predominant view in the field. I do think however that this view is deeply flawed as it reduces infinitely complex processes such as human behavior and thought to a set of oversimplifeid biological principles. some still believe that there is fundamental identity in each individual that is IMMATERIAL and utilizes the body/brain to function and manifest its powers. the terms spirit or soul has been applied to this reality ; the interaction between brain and this entity reveals itself as MIND and its qualities. So why this is important? Deterministic view of behavior leads to despair, irresponsibility and negation of fundamental human qualities such as love and faith. I understand this is not the prevailing view but I find it a priceless model to work with. As a neurologist friend put it in a beautiful metaphor; our brain is like a horse; our spirit is the rider of the horse and the interaction between the two defines our activities in this plane of existence. If the horse is sick and misbehaving , we need to help and control it; the rider is the ultimate determinant of our choices however! didn’t I say this stuff is profound?