Bertrand Russell poses the metaphysical question of whether or not the human consciousness continues to exist after death. Throughout his essay, Russell argues that the mind or soul is dependent on body matter and without a functioning human body, there can be no life after death. He goes on to say that an individual is not the same person from moment to moment. What Russell fails to mention is w

Russell explains, “All that constitutes a person is a series of experiences connected by memory and habit.” The human mind grows accustomed to these habits. Therefore, these habits stem from conditioning as well as lifestyle. As young children, we scream or cry when we have a specific need that requires attention. Usually, our parents respond to these needs rapidly and children learn that they can gain a response from behaviors like crying. Then children remember and learn to cry for reasons other than need because they have expectations of a response-the same response they received perpetually as young children. As we grow older, mental occurrences like sadness, timidity, or kindness occurs so frequently that we regard them as part of our soul or personality. Russell considers that our conception of self is a psychological condition which is simply the continuation of memory.

In term of religious beliefs, Russell pulls a weak argument from the dualists’ view and utilizes it in an attempt to glorify the monistic view. He quotes the Bishop in saying, “The universe has been shaped and is governed by an intelligent purpose.” Russell then attacks this argument by explaining that “it would have been unintelligent, having made man, to let him perish.” He shapes his premises by mentioning that the universe was created and governed by a higher power and that the human mind is the finest instrument in the universe. Then he claims that it would have been unintelligent to let that instrument perish. Overall, this argument was rather weak to begin with, but especially because he makes the assumption the he knows the thoughts of a higher power. Even if Russell did know the intentions behind the actions made by a higher power, who’s to say that his mind is similar to the minds he created?

The purpose of Russell’s analogy is to support his theory that the brain dissolves at death. Since the brain is the cause of memory and habit, there can be no ongoing consciousness. Though Russell’s argument makes sense, if one of these premises can be demonstrated to be false, then the whole argument can be disproved. Nevertheless, even if Russell’s claim is true, it does

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