In this book, Lokhorst analyzes studies regarding the mind-body relation conducted by neurologists over the past thirty years. These contributions differ a great deal in methodology from the essays of philosophers. Central to the debate are different theoretical tendencies.
Dualistic theory occupies the most space.
Opposing philosophical monism, the idea of the separation of mind and matter is a common view of the neurologists, though scientists like Sherrington, Eccles, and Penfield have not succeeded in proving this view in any empirical way. Nor have they been successful in constructing an accepted theory. The emergentistic theory, which says that mental figures are an independent process of the brain, is represented by neurologists like the Nobel Prize Winner Sperry, and K. H. Pribram. Lokhorst spends some time discussing monistic interactionism, a theory incompatible with his own view. Not only Sperry, but his adversaries, Pucetti and Smart, get a chance to speak on this topic.