First published 2008 by Routledge
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Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Moreland, James Porter, 1948-
Consciousness and the existence of God: a theistic argument / By J.P. Moreland.
p. cm. - (Routledge studies in the philosophy of religion)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Consciousness. 2. Naturalism. 3. Theism. I. Title.
B808.9.M67 2008
2121.׳-dc22 2007037875
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 0-203-92933-0 Mastere -bookl SBN
ISBN 978-0-415-96240-7 (hbk) ISBN 978-0-203-92933-9 (ebk)
J.P. Moreland’s intriguing and well-informed book argues forcefully for the view that a theistic explanation of human consciousness is the only viable alternative to an implausibly strong form of reductive physicalism in the philosophy of mind. It deserves close attention from philosophical naturalists and theists alike, and is written in an engaging and accessible manner that makes it suitable material for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in the philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and philosophical theology.
E.J. Lowe, Durham University
In Consciousness and the Existence of God, J.P. Moreland develops a ground breaking, rigorous, systematic case against naturalism and for theism in light of the evident reality of consciousness. His engagement with contemporary naturalism is vigorous, thorough, and fair. This is essential reading for those with interests in metaphysics and epistemology in general, and philosophy of mind and philosophy of religion in particular.
Charles Taliaferro, St. Olaf College
To William Lane Craig
Φίko& και Συστρατιώτης κατα την όδόν
Preface
x
1 The epistemic backdrop for locating consciousness in a naturalist ontology
2 The argument from consciousness
3 John Searle and contingent correlation
4 Timothy O’Connor and emergent necessitation
5 Colin McGinn and mysterian “naturalism’’
6 David Skrbina and panpsychism
1
28
53
70
95
114
Notes
Bibliography
Indexes
195
221
230