Originally posted by: Martin
Originally posted by: irishScott
Obviously the concept of a god can never be wiped out, but what about the more corporeal parts of some religions?
IE: Let's say we finally figure out EXACTLY how the brain works... and there is no sign of a "soul". Then what?
I actually like the example of explaining conciousness, because as far as that goes we are in the state biology was before Darwin: we see something complex that we have no explanation for, so 'god' becomes the default answer.
If someone comes up with a theory of the conciousness, and fully explains it in natural terms and even simulates it on a computer (AI), then you'll just see a repeat of evolution:
- A lot of people will cease to believe in a soul or god.
- most will try to compromise by tacking on a god. For example, evolution is fully capable of explaining the development of life without a god, but most people choose to add something vague and unfalsifiable like "god is guiding the process" to make themselves feel nice. The same thing will likely happen with any theory of conciousness.
- a significant portion will deny the whole thing, kind of like 40% of Americans think people were created by god in the last 10000 years. These people are beyond hope.