Towards a Critical Realist Theology of Law, Neurobiology and the Soul

30 Pages Posted: 23 Apr 2010 Last revised: 25 Feb 2011

Date Written: April 23, 2010

Abstract

This Chapter summarizes the challenges neurobiology presents to Christian theories of positive law. It begins by summarizing the Christian tradition's tight linkage between theological anthropology and theories of positive law. It next discusses the contemporary Christian theological engagement with neurobiology, which is surprisingly diverse. The discussion then turns to points of convergence and divergence between Christian and neurobiological accounts of law and personhood. It concludes with an outline of a methodological proposal for constructive engagement between Christian theories of law and the neurosciences.

Keywords: Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Religion, Soul, Mind

Suggested Citation

Opderbeck, David W., Towards a Critical Realist Theology of Law, Neurobiology and the Soul (April 23, 2010). Seton Hall Public Law Research Paper No. 1594907, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1594907 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1594907

David W. Opderbeck (Contact Author)

Seton Hall Law School ( email )

One Newark Center
Newark, NJ 07102-5210
United States
973-642-8496 (Phone)

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