"Another Opinion `` mental existence `` - meaning any rudimentary mind in the form of rudimentary thought , emotion , sense of self , perception of pain or other senses , etc . My assumption is the scientific assumption that our minds are determined by the functioning of the brain and by its state of development and health . Of course , one could argue the religious view of a soul external to our bodies determining at least part of our mental existence , but there is no evidence to support any such religious view - it is all taken on faith . Where abortion rights are concerned , separation of Church and state would not allow for women 's rights to be restricted based on a religious argument ."
"No disagreements . Something left out ( probably because it was assumed ) , is memory . What you call mental existence I would say is a description of what causes or leads to personal identity . To me it is self evident that there is no person or personhood without a personal identity . There might be disagreement about what the particulars are concerning how to identify a personal identity , but it seems self evident to me that a mind is required , and without a brain , there is no mind , so a brain is required . It seems to me self evident that if there is no brain , there is no person . Of course , others will disagree . Some say that the unique DNA of a zygote is enough for personal identity , but if this is true , identical twins ( with identical DNA ) would have to share one personal identity , and one soul . In the case of a chimera , two souls/unique DNA in two zygotes , would have to blend into one person/soul . ( No , most chimeras are not schizophrenic ) . I believe an integral part of [ personal identity > mental existence > personhood ] is memory . Whether it is short term , or long term , without memory there is no sense of self . ( I may be stating the obvious , but you never know . ) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It is not clear if your list of indicators for mental existence is Â “ one will sufficeÂ ” , or Â “ several are requiredÂ ” . I donÂ ’ t think it matters all that much , but IÂ ’ m not sure , just wondering ."
"Where abortion rights are concerned , separation of Church and state would not allow for women 's rights to be restricted based on a religious argument ."
"No disagreements . Something left out"