scholarly journals Is consciousness a product of the brain or/and a divine act of God? Concise insights from neuroscience and Christian theology

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Spiritual Experiences ◽  
The Brain

Over several years now, notable research has been undertaken on consciousness from various disciplines in the natural sciences, especially in neuroscience and Christian theology. This paper will therefore attempt to add to the current literature in these areas by addressing briefly the following three main aspects, namely, (1) Presenting a succinct explanation of the various views of consciousness by select scholars. (2) Exploring briefly the question, ‘Is the emergence of consciousness a product of an evolved brain?’ (3) Concisely examining the question, ‘Is consciousness of God and spiritual experiences a divine act and/or a process of an evolved brain?’

Area, Age and Gender Dependence of the Nucleoside System in the Brain: a Review of Current Literature

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1012-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsolt Kovacs ◽  
Gabor Juhasz ◽  
Miklos Palkovits ◽  
Arpad Dobolyi ◽  
Katalin A. Kekesi
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Dependence ◽  
The Brain

TAMI-01. BRAIN METASTASES: CURRENT LITERATURE REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi198-vi198
Author(s):  
Ruchi Raval ◽  
Aadi Pandya ◽  
Jaspreet Behl ◽  
Sumul Raval
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Body ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Cancer Breast ◽  
The Brain

Abstract PURPOSE As more information is gathered about brain metastases, it still remains that the current prognosis of brain metastases is very poor. Due to this, it is imperative that physicians are aware of the most important components regarding brain metastases. This literature review will encompass the most current literature in order to highlight the most crucial information. METHODS All mentioned studies and literature reviews cited in the paper were obtained through various sites, and were published between 1996 and 2017. The main components that were required from the papers reviewed included where in the body the brain metastases originated from, where in the brain they tended to spread to, what the signs and symptoms typical of patients with brain metastases are, and what the options are in terms of treatment. RESULTS Using the results from a variety of studies performed within the past three decades, it is apparent that brain metastases most commonly originate from, in order of increasing frequency, lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer. In addition, it is reaffirmed that the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best diagnostic tool to be used when dealing with brain metastases. The most frequent signs and symptoms of a brain metastases include cognitive changes, headaches, weakness, and seizures. Finally, supportive treatment includes use of corticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and anticoagulation therapy. Definitive treatment for brain metastases varies based on size, location, and prevalence in the brain, but the most effective options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. CONCLUSIONS The study’s results confirm the need for more research to be done regarding brain metastases, and better options to increase the survival of patients.

From Observation to Theory

2018 ◽  
pp. 154-181
Author(s):  
Alister E. McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Potential Significance ◽  
Existence Of God ◽  
The World ◽  
Intellectual Journey

How do we move from observing the world to developing more complex and sophisticated ways of representing and understanding it? This chapter examines the intellectual journey from observing our world to representing it in theory, focussing on three distinct processes that are widely believed to be important in this process—deduction, induction, and abduction. Each of these rational strategies is used in theological or philosophical arguments relating to the existence of God. In each case, careful consideration is given to its application both in the natural sciences and in Christian theology. Particular attention is given to the American philosopher Charles S. Peirce’s use of abduction, and its potential significance for Christian theology.

scholarly journals QUEM ESTÁ NO COMANDO? NEUROCIÊNCIA, RESSONÂNCIA E DESAFIOS PARA A TEOLOGIA

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 611
Author(s):  
Rudolf Von Sinner
Keyword(s):  
Human Condition ◽  
The Body ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Human Being ◽  
Second Person ◽  
Third Person ◽  
Ancient Problem ◽  
The One ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain

RESUMO: A relação entre corpo e alma ou entre corpo, alma e espírito é um pro­blema antigo da antropologia, inclusive na teologia cristã. A questão continua em pauta hoje diante de novas descobertas e teorias nas neurociências. Praticamente migrou para a discussão da relação entre cérebro e mente. Hoje é consenso bastante amplo que quem comanda o corpo é o cérebro. Se aceitarmos isto, quem está no comando do cérebro? Sou eu, em primeira pessoa, minha alma, minha mente? Ou seria “ele”, em terceira pessoa, nosso próprio cérebro me determinando? E como ficaria na segunda pessoa – o ser humano como estando em relação a Deus a quem o chama de “tu”? Querendo superar preconceitos contra uma neurociên­cia determinista e uma teologia despreocupada com a ciência – e estas próprias posições, onde são defendidas –, o presente artigo procura tratar da condição humana em sua liberdade sempre precária e tolhida. Recorrendo à abordagem neurobiológica e psiquiátrica de Joachim Bauer, argumenta pela importância das relações do ser humano com o outro, com Deus e com o mundo, numa forma de ressonância (Hartmut Rosa). ABSTRACT: The relationship between body and soul or between body, soul and spirit is an ancient problem of anthropology, and also of Christian theology. In view of present day discoveries and new neuroscientific theories, the issue poses itself afresh. It practically migrated to the discussion of the relationship between brain and mind. Today, there is ample consensus that it is the brain that is in charge of the body. If we accept that, then who is in charge of the brain? Is it me, in the first person, my soul, my mind? Or is it “him”, in the third person, our own brain that determines me? And how about the second person – the human being in its relationship with God whom it calls “you”? Striving to overcome prejudices against a deterministic neuroscience, on the one hand, and a theology indifferent to science – and, indeed, such positions, wherever they are held – the present article seeks to deal with the human condition in its freedom, always precarious and restrained. Referring to neurobiological and psychiatric insights from Joachim Bauer, it argues for the importance of the relationship of the human being with the other, with God and with the world, in a form of resonance (Hartmut Rosa).

Cajal and Psychology

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Ehrlich
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Psychological Function ◽  
Psychological Inquiry ◽  
The Brain

In the second half of the nineteenth century, psychological inquiry was shifting away from the realm of philosophy and into the natural sciences. The associationalist school believed that the basic elements of the psyche, thoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions, were available to study. Cajal’s work affected other disciplines outside of neuroscience. His discovery of distinctly individual cells inside the brain seemed to confirm the associationalist model of psychology. He focused on these spindly, fragile-looking cells as the units of psychological function that he called “the psychic cells.” Even with his work, he was not convinced of the psychological interpretations of the neuron. Cajal knew that contemporary neuroanatomy was ultimately incapable of explaining psychology.

The Territories of Human Reason

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alister E. McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Science And Religion ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Major Theme ◽  
Single Individual ◽  
Academic World ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
The Enlightenment ◽  
Year 2000

Our understanding of human rationality has changed significantly since the year 2000, with growing emphasis placed on multiple rationalities, each adapted to the specific tasks of communities of practice. We may think of the world as an ontological unity—but we use a plurality of methods to investigate and represent this world. This development has called into question both the appeal to a universal rationality, characteristic of the Enlightenment, and also the simple ‘modern–postmodern’ binary. This work is the first major study to explore the emergence of multiple situated rationalities. It focusses on the relation of the natural sciences and Christian theology, but its approach can easily be extended to other disciplines. It provides a robust intellectual framework for discussion of transdisciplinarity, which has become a major theme in many parts of the academic world. The work offers a major reappraisal of what it means to be ‘rational’ which will have significant impact on older discussions of this theme. It explores the consequences of the seemingly inexorable move away from the notion of a single universal rationality towards a plurality of cultural and domain-specific methodologies and rationalities. What does this mean for the natural sciences? For the philosophy of science? For Christian theology? And for the exciting and important interdisciplinary field of science and religion? How can a single individual hold together scientific and religious ideas, when these arise from quite different rational approaches? This ground-breaking volume sets out to engage these questions. In doing so, it is certain to provoke intense discussion and debate.

scholarly journals Recurrent post-partum rhombencephalitis associated with anti-centromere antibody: a case report

BMC Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Jin ◽  
Jean Mamelona ◽  
Byrne Harper ◽  
Alier Marrero
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background Rhombencephalitis (RE) is a serious condition of the brain with multiple etiologies. We report a unique case of recurrent, postpartum RE that is associated with positive anti-centromere antibody (ACA). A discussion of the case, current literature on autoimmune RE and related autoantibodies are reviewed. Case presentation A healthy 33-year-old Caucasian patient (gravida 2, para 2) had two episodes of progressive focal neurological deficits during postpartum periods. Signs and symptoms included right-sided dysmetria, adiadochokinesia, weakness, ataxia, and photophobia. MRI revealed rhombencephalitis involving the mesencephalon of the brainstem. Extensive and comprehensive investigations using blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were consistently positive only for ACA. The first episode was successfully treated with empiric antimicrobial agents and steroid. Given the negative infectious work up with the prior episode and the nearly identical clinical presentations, the second episode was treated with corticosteroid only. This led to complete resolution of her symptoms and reversal of the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions. Conclusion To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of a primary autoimmune RE during postpartum period that is associated with ACA. Immunologic causes should be considered early with any encephalitis. Given the risk of recurrence, relapse, and neurologic deterioration, regular monitoring is recommended, especially for female patients of child-bearing age. Consistent with the current literature on autoimmune RE, steroid seems to be an effective treatment for ACA-associated RE.

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