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Neurosurgeon vs. Historian: Soul Debate Sparks Controversy at COSM 2025

11/29/2025

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

At COSM 2025, neurosurgeon Michael Egnor argued that humans have an immaterial soul, challenging materialist science.
He cited quantum mechanics as evidence for the soul's interaction with the body.
Historian Michael Shermer countered that humans evolved from biological machines and the soul is untestable.
He said he remains skeptical but acknowledges mysteries of consciousness, showing only a minimal shift toward Egnor's views.

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Story summary

At COSM 2025, neurosurgeon Michael Egnor argued that humans have an immaterial soul, challenging materialist science.
He cited quantum mechanics as evidence for the soul's interaction with the body.
Historian Michael Shermer countered that humans evolved from biological machines and the soul is untestable.
He said he remains skeptical but acknowledges mysteries of consciousness, showing only a minimal shift toward Egnor's views.