Jr R L Miller

The Battle for Metaphysics and Neuroscience Jr R L Miller

Speaking as a Neuroscientist, Sam Harris says consciousness is a property of matter, and Christianity is merely "metaphysical baggage". Harris stakes his claim not based on mere science, but on philosophical speculation. If Harris' view of human nature and the nature of consciousness is correct, then the classical Christian view of the human person as body and soul is false. What is more, If Harris' is correct, then everything Christianity stands for including the Christian God, the resurrection of Christ, and the saving of human beings both body and soul is false. Upon analysis, Harris' view of consciousness is not emerging from the realm of empirical science. Rather it is of philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, and metaphysics, the study of being as being. Therefore, to answer his philosophical claims, the author draws from the Aristotelian and Thomistic metaphysics, and philosophy of mind to offer a framework of reality and consciousness.