The self, death, and the afterlife. Dualism, materialism, monistic pantheism, and the no-self.

The self, death, and the afterlife

Dualism, materialism,

monistic pantheism,and the no-self

Dualism: the self is composed of two substances usually conceived as the mind (or soul) and the body

Substance(mind-body) dualismDescartes“The ghost in the machine”

Thomistic dualismAquinasSoul as “source of life and ordering

principle”

Materialism: the self is composed of the physical only; there is no immaterial soul or mind

Identity theoryMental properties are physical propertiesThe “mind” is just activity of the brain

FunctionalismA black box with inputs and outputsA 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 BrahmanThe illusion of MayaThe enlightenment of MokshaThe truth of Atman

No-self: the self does not exist, for nothing has individual or independent existence; there are no substances

Buddhist metaphysicsBelief in substantial self is illusoryThe illusory effects of karma can be overcome through enlightenment

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

Near death experiencesWidely experiencedCommonly characterizedSpecifically realized

ResurrectionJewsChristians

The nature of God Human

aspirationsGod’s love

The nature of the soulPlatoMcTaggart

Dependency on the brainPhysical 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

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?