Chapter 10:

1. Chapter 10: The self, death, and the afterlife

2. Conceptions of the self Dualism, materialism, monistic pantheism,and the no-self

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

4. Materialism Materialism: the 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

5. Monistic pantheism 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

6. The no-self No-self: the self does not exist, for nothing has individual or independent existence; there are no substances • Buddhist metaphysics • Belief in substantial self is illusory • The illusory effects of karma can be overcome through enlightenment

7. Reincarnation and karma • Reincarnation: 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

8. Arguments for immortality • Near death experiences • Widely experienced • Commonly characterized • Specifically realized • Resurrection • Jews • Christians • The nature of God • Human aspirations • God’s love • The nature of the soul • Plato • McTaggart

9. 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

10. Questions for discussion • What view of the self do you find most persuasive? What are your reasons? • Do you believe in life after death? Why? • Do you agree with the claim that eternal life would end up boring and pointless? What kinds of activities might keep it forever interesting and meaningful?