Creation of Self, The: A Case for the Soul

The Creation of Self is the first book-length defense of a creationist view of persons as souls, arguing that they are fundamentally unique individuals that look more like singularities of nature than material products. It provides philosophers, theologians, and the lay intellectual grounding for thinking about persons as religious beings and helps readers understand why recent scientifically motivated objections to the soul are unsuccessful.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

The Creation of Self is a groundbreaking work that delves into the intricate relationship between science and religion, offering a compelling defense of a creationist perspective on the nature of persons. As the first book-length exploration of this topic, it serves as both a novel argument for God's creation of selves and a critical critique of contemporary materialist and emergent-self alternatives. Author Joshua Farris posits that individuals are fundamentally unique beings that resemble singularities of nature rather than being mere products of regularity or predictability derived from past events. By extending the fundamental intuition that we are distinct and mysterious entities, Farris develops a sophisticated analytical defense of the soul that necessitates a sufficient explanation beyond what nature can provide. This explanation is brought forth by a Creator who possesses intentions and the power to bring about novel entities in the world.

The Creation of Self provides philosophers, theologians, and the lay intellectual community with a solid foundation for considering persons as religious beings. Its primary objective is to help readers understand why recent scientific objections to the soul have failed and why adopting a religious conception of persons as souls is a crucial starting point. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful reasoning, Farris challenges prevailing naturalistic views that argue for a regular, law-like process behind the emergence of personhood. He argues that such views fail to account for the inherent uniqueness and mystery of each individual.

In conclusion, The Creation of Self is a seminal work that offers a fresh perspective on the nature of persons and their relationship to the divine. By challenging prevailing assumptions and providing a robust defense of a creationist view, it provides philosophers, theologians, and the broader intellectual community with valuable insights into the complex interplay between science and religion. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human existence and the role of the soul in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803410869