Science, Cells and Souls: An Introduction to Human Nature

To think about the mind, the self, the will and consciousness used to be left to philosophy. Today neuroscience, genetics and computer science seem poised to take over these topics. Can we find a way to combine modern science with traditional ideas and ways of thinking? What is life? Can we make it? Can we make a person? Can machines think? Do we need the notion of a soul? How does consciousness arise? This book shows how to think about the relation between science and philosophy in order better to understand human nature in the light of modern and traditional knowledge. The aim is not to prove that one approach is better than the other, but to help the reader to form and discuss their own questions. It is a vessel to let you set sail on your own voyage of intellectual discovery.

Neville Moray studied medicine and psychology at Oxford University. He has taught psychology, neuroscience, computing and engineering psychology at eight universities in six countries. He has done research on nuclear power, railway accidents, the design of factories to destroy chemical weapons, pilot mental workload, and the genetics of behaviour. He has spent many years studying the relation between science, religion and philosophy. He has sailed the Atlantic in a 30-foot sailboat, and used to enjoy caving and rock-climbing. Now he is retired in the South of France where he lives with his wife and spends his time writing and painting.