Chapter 1: The Soul Debate

In a conversation with Sam Harris, Matt Dillahunty remarked, “The concept of the soul is one of the most evidently obsolete topics that religions could ever bring up.” Harris did not dispute this claim, and I will not challenge it either. Dillahunty’s assertion holds true; despite being seemingly easy to scrutinize, the existence of souls lacks any empirical support.

A deity capable of crafting our minuscule planet within an unimaginably vast Universe would likely possess the ability to conceal themselves within their creation. This entity could exist beyond the reach of our most advanced telescopes, hidden behind cosmic microwave background radiation, within a black hole, or perhaps even beyond our Universe. However, should souls exist, they would need to interact with the human brain in a manner detectable by scientific means.

I encourage you, dear reader, to take a moment to view the YouTube video titled, "You Are Unbelievably Small." This video lasts for 9.06 minutes, and despite having watched it numerous times, it never fails to move me to tears.

The idea of a soul-like essence has appeared across various cultures throughout history. I understand the allure; human consciousness can feel akin to Captain Kirk observing a viewscreen, with two cameras (our eyes) providing depth perception, while other senses offer additional information. Yet, despite our best efforts, we cannot locate the little homunculus that purportedly resides in the captain's chair, guiding our body like a starship.

The absence of evidence does not equate to proof of absence—does it?

While it is often said that “the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence,” comprehensive investigation is essential before deeming a claim false. Nevertheless, the assertion that “humans have souls” has been thoroughly examined, yet credible evidence supporting this claim remains elusive. Neuroscientists know precisely what to search for and where to find it; the proof simply does not exist.

Conversely, a substantial body of counterevidence indicates that no fragment of our consciousness endures beyond brain death. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that mental science experts largely agree that consciousness emerges from the brain, can be impaired through brain injury, and ceases to exist once the brain is dead.

Neuroscientists employing functional MRI can observe specific brain areas becoming active as we engage in various thoughts or actions. Neuroradiologists have charted brain regions responsible for distinct functions, such as associating faces with names, processing auditory information, interpreting visual stimuli, appreciating artistic expression, and imbuing short-term memories with emotional significance. We have even pinpointed the area linked to the profound sensation of divine presence, which we can stimulate.

To truly reflect a person, a soul would need to monitor all activities of both the conscious and subconscious mind, preserving a duplicate so that when the brain ceases functioning, the soul accurately embodies that individual’s personality and memories. This would necessitate the use of energy waves or particles to probe the brain, yet despite extensive searches, we do not observe any indication of the brain being “lit up” as if under scrutiny.

If souls were indeed real, we would expect this supernatural entity to repair any injury or illness affecting the brain without resulting in death. However, this is not the case. The concept of a soul as a complete replica of its owner does not hold, as it cannot mend even minor damage to its host brain.

The human cerebral cortex comprises two largely autonomous hemispheres, with communication between them facilitated by the corpus callosum, a flat nerve bundle at the base of the cerebrum. Some individuals with severe epilepsy experience such intense fits that they risk fatal injuries. To mitigate this danger, neurosurgeons can sever the corpus callosum, effectively creating two independent minds. If souls were a reality, bridging this surgical division should be an effortless task, allowing for continued communication between the left and right hemispheres. This, however, is not the outcome. There is even a documented case of a patient who underwent corpus callosotomy, where the logical left brain identified as an atheist while the creative right brain maintained a belief in a deity.

Acknowledging the nonexistence of souls may be disheartening. Who wouldn’t wish to survive the demise of their physical form and reunite with loved ones in an afterlife? However, eternal existence, regardless of the setting, could ultimately be more of a curse than a blessing. Our comprehension of vast numbers is limited; evolution has not prepared us for such concepts. Infinity represents an extremely large number. The monotony of approaching infinite existence would be compounded by the unending nature of a soul. There would be no escape from such torment.

Mark Twain wisely observed, “I do not fear death. I existed for billions and billions of years before my birth and experienced no discomfort from it.”

Determining whether you are satisfying an unseen, silent, and undetectable deity is impossible. Rather than fretting over sins that might displease the universe’s ultimate hide-and-seek champion, embrace the single life you are aware of and appreciate that you are not burdened with an eternity of escalating boredom.

Chapter 2: Scientific Insights into the Soul

The video titled "Science PROVES the Existence of the Soul (Here's How)" explores various scientific perspectives on the soul, questioning traditional beliefs while delving into empirical evidence that challenges the concept of a soul.

In "How Do Our Souls Come into Existence?" the video discusses the origins of the soul, questioning how it may exist based on scientific understandings and the implications of such beliefs.