Dr. Brad Strawn explains the negative consequences of Cartesian philosophy in psychotherapy and argues for the benefits of a post-Cartesian philosophy in this field. Dr. Strawn advocates a monist understanding of individuals, showing that this leads to a fuller ability of a client to take responsibility for his or her actions and realities. Dr. Kevin Seybold and Dr. Nancy Duvall respond to his argument.
A panel of six psychologists respond to questions from their audience regarding their arguments. The panelists focus on the integration of the physical and spiritual aspects of a person in psychological therapy and consider the ways that the Bible can contribute to this end.
Dr. J.P. Moreland argues that top-down causation is not necessary for mental causation and has little evidence. He defends the reality of mental causation as a properly basic belief.
Dr. William Hasker evaluates Thomist anthropology and the anthropology of J.P. Moreland. He concludes that both views seem to point towards a dualism stemming from an emergent soul. Dr. Stewart Goetz comments on his argument.
Dr. Joel Green discusses the theological anthropology of the New Testament. He argues that the writings of the New Testament do not necessitate a dualist view of human substance. Rather, he argues for a monism that encompasses the physical and non-physical aspects of humanity. Dr. Doug Huffman responds to his argument.
Dr. John Cooper explains the challenges that various hermeneutical approaches present to the debate of human composition. He argues that Scripture at least demonstrates the simultaneous physicality and spirituality of humanity, and so dualism and holism, but not physical monism, best represent Scriptures portrayal of humanity. Dr. Jason McMartin responds to his argument.
A panel of four philosophers and theologians discuss the application of hermeneutics to the subject of human composition. The panel responds to questions from their audience and considers what the biblical boundaries are when drafting philosophical positions on the subject. Amidst the discussion, the panel good-naturedly affirms the simple truth of Scripture.
Dr. Timothy O'Connor of Indiana University explains an alternate theory of human composition which he has called emergent individualism. He explains that substance dualism does not seem to match well the empirical evidence of neuroscience. Rather, humans can be understood to be composed object whose mental capacities are emergent properties of their composition. Following Dr. O'Connor's argument, two philosophers offer comments on his assertion.
Dr. Richard Swinburne and Dr. Timothy O'Connor respond to the comments made on their assertions. Afterwards, the panel of six philosophers respond to questions from their audience and offer deeper insight into their ideas.
Dr. Richard Swinburne explains why a theory of neuroscience built on physical determinism is implausible and ultimately unprovable. Dr. Swinburne takes his audience through careful logical scenarios to arrive at his conclusion. Following his argument, two philosophers offer their own comments on Dr. Swinburne's conclusion.
Dr. William Hasker and Dr. J.P. Moreland respond to their commentators. The two speakers and their commentators respond to questions from the audience regarding their arguments on human composition.