#41 – A Cambridge-Trained Neuroscientist’s Perspective: Dr Sharon Dirckx Discusses our Minds, our Brains, and Have We Lost Our Minds?

In this episode we continue our series discussing Stan’s recent book Have We Lost Our Minds?, exploring the book’s themes with neuroscientist and apologist Sharon Dirckx, Ph.D.

In this episode, we discuss:

• In what ways do we talk about the brain doing what persons do?
• How did Sharon’s experience in brain imaging research help her conclude that we are more than just our brains?
• What is the role of honest and open dialogue in finding truth in this and all other important areas?
• How does acknowledging the first-person perspective as a way of knowing change the conversation about mind-brain relations?
• Are there studies in neuroscience that suggest a soul?
• What are the most compelling objections to holistic dualism from the neuroscientific perspective?
• How could thinking Christians respond to these objections?

Resources mentioned during our conversation:

• Sharon Dirckx, Am I Just My Brain?
• Find out more about Dr. Sharon Dirckx’s work on her website and through the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics
• Find out more about Have We Lost Our Minds? Get the introduction to the book for free on the Global Scholars website. A printable group discussion guide can be found here.
• Thinking Christianly Episode #21: A Case Study in Thinking Christianly and Making a Difference: Edmund Husserl
• Thinking Christianly Episode #22: The Importance of Legacy: More Lessons from the Life of Edmund Husserl
• Premier Unbelievable?: Iain McGilchrist & Sharon Dirckx • Brain science, consciousness & God
• Michael Egnor and Denyse O’Leary, The Immortal Mind: A Neurosurgeon’s Case for the Existence of the Soul

Additional Resources: 

• Sharon Dirckx, “Christ Renews our Minds, not Our Brains“, Christianity Today, August 18, 2025