I'm sorry if I wasn't that clear, but this article questions dualism itself. So there is no influence one way or the other, since it's all the same (physical) entity anyway. Expressing this in technical terms you could say that the brain is the Turing machine, and the mind is the state.

• 4 hours ago

Heh, Cartesian dualism. In a matter of decades there won't be anyone defending this philosophical equivalent of the panda bear. As a matter of fact, I'll write an article about that. It might even be interesting.

• 1 day ago

Thanks for sharing that with us, Anath. I've really enjoyed reading it.
But I do have to disagree about the whole visit-church-some-time thing. Several reasons: First, I'm banned from our local Catholic church after asking too many questions. The pastor said I'm not allowed to enter a Catholic church again unless I repent. Apparently Catholics have rules about stuff like that. My own convictions keep me from ignoring the pastor's warning. It might happen to you, too. Unbelievers aren't welcome at all. Second, it's like saying "well, you'll have to break to law every once in a while in order to be successful in law enforcement". It's self deceit. Every atheist in church is another person attending a meeting we're all opposed to. There's nothing to gain in church, unless you're some kind of mental masochist.

• 1 day ago

Very well written article. I couldn't agree more. Thanks for the read and have a wonderful time yourself!

• 2 weeks ago

This little discussion might just be another chapter in the endless series of endless discussions. I'll be following this conversation closely with a renewed hope this doesn't end in the classic "because God/Jesus/priest/Bible says so" argument. Not to discourage anyone to participate, but please, for reason's sake, refrain from making false assumptions.

• 8 weeks ago