Synthemon: latest neurological findings support synthemon

 Here is an evaluation of the article on "The Immortal Mind: A Neurosurgeon’s Case for the Existence of the Soul" by Dr. Michael Egnor and Denyse O’Leary through the lens of synchronistic theistic monism (Synthemon). This framework, as outlined in the foundational principles, provides a comprehensive metaphysical and theological synthesis that can integrate and illuminate the findings and arguments presented in the article. Below, are the key points of the article and a demonstration of how they align with or can be understood within the Synthemon worldview.

Overview of the Article and Key Themes

The article discusses Dr. Egnor's book, which argues for the immortality of the human soul based on neuroscience cases such as split-brain patients, conjoined twins, and near-death experiences (NDEs). It challenges materialist assumptions that the mind is merely a product of the brain, presenting evidence that abstract reasoning and will—core aspects of the mind—appear to transcend the physical brain. The distinction between brain-dependent functions (like sensation and memory) and brain-independent functions (like abstract thought) is central to Egnor's argument, suggesting that the mind and soul are distinct from and more than the physical organ of the brain.

Alignment with Synthemon Principles

1. Unity of Mind and Body in a Holistic Cosmos:
   Synthemon rejects Cartesian dualism and embraces a holistic understanding of human nature, viewing the cosmos as a complex, organic unity with both physical and spiritual attributes arising from a single fundamental essence [1][6]. The article's distinction between brain-dependent and brain-independent functions aligns with Synthemon's attribute dualism, where the singular divine substance manifests as both thought (mental/spiritual) and extension (physical/material). Egnor's findings, such as split-brain patients maintaining a unified mind despite physical disconnection, support the Synthemon view that the mind transcends the physical brain, reflecting the spiritual attribute of the unified substance.

2. The Soul and Divine Substance:
   In Synthemon, the human soul can be understood as the individualized expression of the spiritual attribute of the fundamental essence, connected to God's divine presence through the Holy Spirit [3]. Egnor's argument for the immortality of the soul, based on the persistence of abstract reasoning and will beyond brain alterations, resonates with Synthemon's view that the spiritual aspect of humanity is not reducible to material processes. This aligns with the framework's emphasis on the soul as part of the divine plan, integrated into the interconnected cosmos yet distinct from the physical body.

3. Synchronicity and Meaningful Connections:
   Synthemon posits that synchronicity weaves physical events with spiritual meaning, reflecting God's intentional design [2]. The cases of conjoined twins like Krista and Tatiana Hogan, who share physical sensations yet maintain separate wills and abstract reasoning, can be interpreted through Synthemon as a synchronistic manifestation of divine order. Their unique connection highlights the meaningful interplay between the physical (shared brain tissue) and spiritual (separate minds), demonstrating how God's plan integrates diversity within unity.

4. Divine Epistemology and Neuroscience Findings:
   Synthemon emphasizes divine epistemology, where true knowledge comes through revelation, intuition, and symbolic interpretation alongside rational inquiry [5]. Egnor's shift from materialism to a belief in the mind's transcendence, influenced by empirical neuroscience data and philosophical reflection, mirrors Synthemon's balanced approach to understanding reality. The recognition by historical figures like Wilder Penfield that the mind is a basic element beyond the brain further supports Synthemon's view that deeper truths about the soul and mind are accessible through both scientific observation and spiritual insight.

5. Rejection of Materialism and Gnostic Dualism:
   The article's critique of materialist views that reduce humanity to mere physical components aligns with Synthemon's rejection of such reductionism [1]. Additionally, Synthemon explicitly avoids Gnostic dualism, which sees matter as inherently evil, instead viewing the physical and spiritual as integrated attributes of a single substance [6]. Egnor's work supports this by showing that the physical brain and immaterial mind are distinct yet interconnected, with the soul encompassing the higher capacities of reason and will, reflecting divine purpose rather than opposition between material and spiritual realms.

6. Implications for Psychic Phenomena and Transcendence:
   Synthemon accommodates psychic phenomena and experiences like NDEs as manifestations of the interconnectedness within the unified substance, reflecting heightened sensitivity to the spiritual attribute [5]. Egnor's inclusion of NDEs as evidence for the soul's immortality fits within this framework, suggesting that such experiences are glimpses into the timeless nature of the divine substance and God's overarching plan. They reveal the soul's capacity to transcend physical constraints, aligning with Synthemon's view of God's omnipresence and ability to transcend cosmic spacetime [3].

Integration into Synthemon

The arguments and evidence presented in "The Immortal Mind" can be seamlessly integrated into the Synthemon framework as follows:

• Mind-Body Problem Resolution: Egnor's distinction between concrete cognitive acts (sensation, memory) and universal abstract thought addresses the classical mind-body problem, which Synthemon resolves through attribute dualism. The brain, as a physical extension, supports concrete functions, while the mind, as a spiritual attribute, engages in universal reasoning, reflecting the unity of the fundamental essence [6].
• Purposeful Divine Design: The persistence of a unified mind in split-brain patients and the separate identities in conjoined twins point to a purposeful design by a divine intelligence, a core tenet of Synthemon. These phenomena are not random but part of God's systematic integration of the cosmos into a holistic whole [4].
• Spiritual Guidance and Human Experience: The role of the soul as the essence of human reason and will, as highlighted by Egnor, aligns with Synthemon's view of the Holy Spirit indwelling humans as a divine guide. This connection enables individuals to access deeper truths about their nature and God's plan through both scientific discovery and spiritual intuition [3].

Practical Implications for Living in Synthemon

Applying Synthemon principles to the insights from the article, individuals can live a life attuned to divine order by recognizing the interplay of physical and spiritual attributes in their own existence. As outlined in the principles for living, one can seek alignment with God's plan by balancing rational inquiry (e.g., studying neuroscience findings) with intuitive practices (e.g., reflection on the soul's immortality) [4]. This holistic approach fosters a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of all things and the divine purpose behind personal and collective experiences.

Conclusion

Dr. Michael Egnor's "The Immortal Mind" provides compelling scientific and philosophical evidence for the distinction between mind and brain, as well as the immortality of the soul, which aligns closely with the principles of synchronistic theistic monism (Synthemon). Through the lens of Synthemon, these findings are understood as reflections of the unified fundamental essence manifesting dual attributes of thought and extension, guided by divine intentionality and revealed through synchronicity. This integration not only validates the scientific observations but also enriches them with spiritual meaning, offering a comprehensive worldview that bridges the material and immaterial in a purposeful, interconnected cosmos [1][2][5].

Sources

1 Synchronic Theistic Monism: an Ebook that explains Tarot, I Ching, and more. By Michael Perel, M.D.

 https://manypossibilities1.blogspot.com/2025/04/theistic-dual-aspect-monism.html

2 Synchronicity: objective definition and empirical data. https://manypossibilities1.blogspot.com/2025/05/synchronicity.html

3 Synthemon: the nature of God's Cosmic Essence in the Synthemon worldview. https://manypossibilities1.blogspot.com/2025/05/synthemon-nature-of-gods-cosmic-essence.html

4 Synthemon: principles to live a life in conformity to synthemon. https://manypossibilities1.blogspot.com/2025/05/synthemon-principles-to-live-life-in.html

5 Synthemon: benefits of synthemon worldview. https://manypossibilities1.blogspot.com/2025/07/synthemon-benefits-of-synthemon.html

6 Synthemon: an updated and refined version of synthemon https://manypossibilities1.blogspot.com/2025/08/synthemon-updated-and-refined-version.html