It's Always Sunny - evolution versus Christianity

[Huggy Bear]

That's actually taken from the definition.


Computers have the ability to problem solve, yet they can't reason... you know, the whole "Cogito ergo sum" thing

Fair point, but computers aren't other species.

Yes, but the example shows why problem solving doesn't equal reasoning.

Do chimps, rats, or crows have souls?

No, think about it, animals don't know how to discern right and wrong, which is crucial to ones ability to reason.

Is the ability of an organism to engage in self-reflection the hallmark of having a soul?

I would say that is one of the criteria.

If so, do people in vegetative states that result from disease or accident retain a soul somehow, or is their soul lost?

There have been plenty of people who were pronounced clinically dead (no functioning brain), yet were able to recall everything that happened in the operating room. which shows that their consciousness existed somewhere, or else they wouldn't remember.

If lost, what's the difference between "having a soul" and having certain higher brain functions?

The soul has nothing to do with the brain. Take love for example: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends".

Animals are all about self preservation. An animal will abandon its offspring to predators to save it's own life, While a real human mother would give her life for her child without a second thought.

[Chas]

Since it is demonstrably false that it always existed on Earth, where did it exist before that?

I believe I've answered that already...

I must have missed it.  Can you point it out?

At what point in evolutionary history did 'souls' show up?

About the same time the ability to reason did.

That's a pretty fuzzy answer.  How much ability?  More than dolphins?

[Chas]

There have been plenty of people who were pronounced clinically dead (no functioning brain), yet were able to recall everything that happened in the operating room. which shows that their consciousness existed somewhere, or else they wouldn't remember.

If lost, what's the difference between "having a soul" and having certain higher brain functions?

The soul has nothing to do with the brain. Take love for example: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends".

Animals are all about self preservation. An animal will abandon its offspring to predators to save it's own life, While a real human mother would give her life for her child without a second thought.

And there are many cases of animals risking their lives to save others.

[Catholic_Lady]

[abaris]

No, think about it, animals don't know how to discern right and wrong, which is crucial to ones ability to reason.

You're a perfect Ignoramus (no offense to our fellow member). You know nothing about research on that matter and run your virtual mouth. Go, educate yourself on what I quoted. And then come back. Maybe I could take you seriously for once, if you do.

[Nihilist Virus]

All of Genesis was symbolic?

Personally I believe all of the OT are just parables, not historic facts.

So why are the gospels not in the same category?

[Huggy Bear]

No, think about it, animals don't know how to discern right and wrong, which is crucial to ones ability to reason.

You're a perfect Ignoramus (no offense to our fellow member). You know nothing about research on that matter and run your virtual mouth. Go, educate yourself on what I quoted. And then come back. Maybe I could take you seriously for once, if you do.

To the rest of the members about to read this post I apologize but I must shame this fool.

Are you saying animals live by a moral code?

[abaris]

To the rest of the members about to read this post I apologize but I must shame this fool.

Are you saying animals live by a moral code?

You're an idiot. Instead of looking up what I said, you simply come back with what you consider a snide remark. Look in the mirror for some shaming.

And maybe look up Frans De Vaal or Brian Hare. Just for starters. Researchers, you know, who know their stuff, as opposed to you.

See Ya, if you done that.

[Huggy Bear]

[abaris]