I find it interesting that the philosophical arguments
as to the relationship between the mental (mind) and
the physical (body) resemble the theological
arguments as to the relationship between the spiritual
(soul) and the physical (body).

I also find it interesting that the arguments Palmer
uses to put holes in dualism seem to be scientific and
rational in nature.

I say this is interesting because science is concerned
with the study of the physical world through physical
processes. Science is not equipped to study mental
processes. The empirical method can not be applied to
the inner workings of the mind. To attempt to study
mental phenomenon with physical methods is like
trying to use an apple corer to peal an orange -- it is
using a tool for a purpose it was never meant to be.

If the empirical (scientific) method is our tool for
studying the physical, then we can not use it to
disprove a separate entity such as our mental or
spiritual existences.

Perhaps the similarities between mind and soul
mentioned above show a strong relationship. Perhaps
they're one and the same. Who knows? Perhaps
science is our tool for studying the physical while
spirituality is our tool for studying the mental.

Regardless, I think Palmer himself is making a
category mistake and is begging the question when he
attacks dualism. He is putting mental activity in the
category of "things that can be supported empirically"
and, with this assumption, he asks the question, "Is
there a separation between mind and body?" Of course
he will find against dualism because he has already
presupposed that mental activity can be studied in the
same way physical activity can!

Not that I believe in dualism. But I don't think
Palmer has given it a fair shake.