The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism

"The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism is mandatory reading for academic philosophers, scientists, enthusiasts, and anyone else seriously exploring the metaphysics of mind. A natural successor to The Waning of Materialism, this companion to substance dualism is a thorough exploration of the many interpretations of mind-body interaction. The esteemed contributors are once again demonstrating that physicalism has not achieved hegemonic dominance among serious philosophers and scientists. The 100-year failure of physicalism to explain the underpinnings of experience has elevated dualism once again into the realm of serious intellectual consideration. We are witnessing a paradigm shift from a century that attempted to eschew the notion of a subjective observer, to an increasingly nuanced model of human experience--one that requires far more than merely the cognitive aspects of perception. Rather, we need a philosophical context that enhances the investigation of the active and causally efficacious elements of the subjective aspects of mental life. The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism thoroughly discusses the variety of topics surrounding substance and property dualism. Readers will enjoy touring the intellectual landscape of the centuries-old mind-body debate that continues to generate an extraordinary magnitude of controversy. Every passing moment confirms that mental facts are real, and The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism has something for everyone who experiences what it is like to be a human and wonders, 'why?'"
--Jeffrey M. Schwartz, University of California Los Angeles
 
"Dualism has reemerged in philosophy because physicalism has so obviously failed to capture the basic facts of mental life. But the restoration of dualism is also the restoration of the subject, hence the need for substance dualism. In this volume, a collection of top-rank philosophers discuss, both as advocates and critics, all major forms of substance dualism - including emergenist, Cartesian, hylomorphic - as well as their relation to various aspects of Christian doctrine. This is a major contribution to an on-going transformation of analytic philosophy of mind."
--Howard Robinson, Central European University
 
"This excellent book is chock-a-block full of interesting essays. Different varieties of substance dualism are elaborated, and the case is made for or against them. Physicalist rivals are also distinguished and argued for or critiqued. The book is thorough and fair, and the quality of the essays is high. This will certainly be the book on substance dualism."
--Michael Tye, The University of Texas at Austin
 
"This high quality volume offers a rich variety of perspectives on substance dualism, and will be a valuable resourse for students and researchers in philosophy of mind and philosophy of religion."
--John Cottingham, University of Reading
 
"A splendid additon to the distinguished Blackwell Companion Series in philosophy. The writers include many well-known proponents and critics of substance dualism, and the articles cover a wide range of fascinating topics. Some readers will be surprised to discover the great variety of original versions of dualism, fully in touch with contemporary science, now on offer."
--C. Stephen Evans
 
"A timely and comprehensive account of the arguments for and against the varieties of Substance Dualism. Engaging from the start, and with much to reward repeated readings."
--T.J. Mawson, University of Oxford
 
"Despite an intensive exploration of materialist theories of mind in the last forty years, it is widely acknowledged that they all fail to account for crucial aspects of the mind. What is much less known is that sophisticated versions and defenses of substance dualism have been developed in that same period, leading to a resurgence of interest in it. This makes the Blackwell Companion a timely book. It consists of a truly impressive collection of essays that provides both in-depth defenses and critiques of substance dualism on general and of each of its major versions. As an added bonus, it has a section on theological considerations. There is no book that provides anywhere close to the thoroughness, depth, and even-handedness of this collection. This makes it essential reading for anyone interested in the current debates regarding substance dualism."
--Robin Collins, Messiah College