CULTURE | We Need a Better Dualism
Abigail Favale
66.24
1 March 2022
25 November 2025
In this episode, Abigail Favale talks with philosophy professor Phil Smith about the various iterations of dualism we've seen in history and the type we frequently encounter today. What makes a whole person? Does Christian theology demand that we adopt a Platonic view of the body and soul? How does dualistic thought affect our perceptions of sexuality and race?
Dr. Phil Smith teaches a wide range of philosophy and religion courses. He holds a Master's degree from Fuller Seminary and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Oregon. Phil has published many books and articles on philosophy, ethics, and religion, and has also written several works of fiction.
Check out his work here: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/smith.html
Dr. Abigail Favale completed her doctorate at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she was a recipient of the competitive Overseas Research Award. In 2011, her dissertation was granted the Samuel Rutherford Prize for the most distinguished thesis in English literature.
Check out Abigail's academic profile: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/writing_lit/FacultyPages/Abigail_Favale.html
To connect with more of her work, visit her website: https://abigailfavale.wixsite.com/home
0:00 - Introduction
0:25 - Introduction of Phil
1:36 - History of dualism
13:35 - New dualism: Therapeutic dualism
29:09 - Spiritual bodies
31:35 - Critique of therapeutic dualism
40:06 - Intersectionality/Intersectionalism
52:35 - The heart
59:02 - Made perfect?
1:05:54 - Outro
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