Modeling Illnesses of the Mind: Human Uniqueness Among Other Animals
Human uniqueness among other animals is a philosophical and compelling psychological issue, and included in a Christian understanding of human nature. Theologically, humans are unlike animals because they are created in the "image of God" (Genesis 1:27). Yet scientifically, against the ide...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Print Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
Published: |
[2017]
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In: |
Journal of psychology and christianity
Year: 2017, Volume: 36, Issue: 3, Pages: 237-248 |
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Bible. Genesis 1,27
/ Creation
/ Theory of evolution
/ Human being
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IxTheo Classification: | CF Christianity and Science HB Old Testament NBD Doctrine of Creation NBE Anthropology |
Further subjects: | B
THOUGHT & thinking
Religious aspects
B UNIQUENESS (Philosophy) B Bible. Genesis B Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882 B CHRISTIAN attitudes |
Summary: | Human uniqueness among other animals is a philosophical and compelling psychological issue, and included in a Christian understanding of human nature. Theologically, humans are unlike animals because they are created in the "image of God" (Genesis 1:27). Yet scientifically, against the idea of human uniqueness, there is the authoritative influence of Darwin's finding of no fundamental difference between humans and the higher mammals in their mental faculties. Recent theories, however, have challenged Darwin's analysis on the similarity of animals and humans. This article proposes an alternative yet complementary approach to human nature: that of animal models of human illnesses involving the mind and brain. In particular, it explores how animal models contribute to psychological and theological ideas about human beings among other animals. There is continuity and resemblance, but the inadequacy of animal models and shortfall in effectiveness serve to highlight the uniqueness of the human. |
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ISSN: | 0733-4273 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal of psychology and christianity
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