Overview
Explore arguments for the existence of an immaterial soul in this 49-minute Yale University lecture on Plato's Phaedo. Delve into the concept of free will as a key defense for dualism against physicalism. Examine the limitations of machines in exhibiting creativity, reason, and emotions. Investigate the notion of "qualia" in consciousness and its role in the dualist perspective. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various arguments supporting the existence of the soul, concluding with a discussion on free will as a fundamental aspect of human nature that cannot be explained by purely physical processes.
Syllabus
- Chapter 1. Introduction to Plato's Phaedo .
- Chapter 2. Creativity and Reason in Machines .
- Chapter 3. Feelings in Machines, from Marvin to Hal .
- Chapter 4. "Qualia" in Emotion and Consciousness: The Dualist's Defense and Its Weakness .
- Chapter 5. Free Will as a Defense of the Soul and Conclusion .
Taught by
YaleCourses