Dualism versus materialism; amygdala evidence (Identity)

by dhw, Thursday, August 17, 2017, 13:22 (2437 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: Parts of what we call memory and emotion seems to be assigned to different parts of the brain, according to ongoing research:
https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/adult-brain-s-fear-hq-can-grow-new-cells

QUOTE: "A new cradle of brain cell formation has been discovered in the adult amygdala, a region that gives memories their emotional bite.
The discovery could lead to a deeper understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and phobias – and also to better treatments."

DAVID: But note: the human brain developed a specialized area for consciousness. Its enlargement mainly includes pre-frontal and frontal cortex which are its seat. Those neurons are especially developed and connected to support that function. I think the analogy of computer software fits. All of that neuron network complexity allows a received consciousness to be used by the self/soul.

In my view, memory and emotion are all part of consciousness. How you can find even the slightest hint of a “soul” in this post escapes me. The very fact that emotional disorders can be treated (and also caused) by drugs is evidence that the brain is the producer and not the receiver of emotion. So far we have only discussed the illogicalities of your dualist position, but I have been very careful to emphasize that I am not taking sides in the debate between materialism and dualism. I can’t find the post in which I attempted a compromise between the two, but I shall try again when I get time (very short at the moment).