The Distinction Between Mental Energy and Spirit: An In-Depth Exploration

Over a period of several decades of examining this subject, I believe it is pertinent to make a clear distinction between mind and spirit. While I would answer a resounding yes when asked if mind and spirit are similar, this answer comes with a qualification. The mind is to be distinguished from the concept of energy. Mind, spirit, consciousness, and souls are all appropriate associations within similar philosophical and metaphysical contexts.

Understanding Mental Energy and Conservation of Energy

The term mental energy is often misused due to the misconception that it refers to some form of energy that bypasses the Law of Conservation of Energy. This is an error because energy is primarily studied in the domain of scientific research. Research into mind does not indicate a corresponding energy that exists in the same manner as other forms of known matter and energy.

According to our current understanding, all that is known to science as energy or matter exists as either the cause of a natural effect or the effect of a natural cause. This implies that energy and matter are subject to Newton’s Second Law and the principle of Causal Closure. When someone refers to mental energy, they need to provide objective data or evidence to support such a claim.

Mind as a Metaphysical or Supernatural Term

Mind is often a metaphysical or supernatural term, which places it either entirely beyond the domain of science or only vaguely included within its scope. Historically, the term "science" was adopted in 1832 when the title "Natural Philosophy" was abandoned. Since then, science has generally excluded metaphysical and supernatural phenomena from its purview.

Claims about the mind being associated with energy often rely on vague thinking or New Age theories. For instance, it is common to hear that some sort of energy exists in the brain, and this energy can be equated to the mind. However, this thinking lacks scientific backing. Similarly, the idea that mind as the Prime Mover or First Cause is akin to God can be criticized, as it often distorts scientific rigor.

Critical Consideration of Mind, Body, and Problem (MBP)

The Mind-Body-Problem (MBP) is a significant area of philosophical inquiry. The MBP invites people to consider how the mind and body are related, yet many approaches to this issue rely on fuzzy thinking or poorly understood theological concepts. While the relationship between mind, spirit, consciousness, and soul is well-documented across a vast span of human history, dating back approximately 2,000 to 3,000 years, contemporary scientific education often leads to the use of unscientific thinking when discussing energy and mind.

One frequent example is the biblical claim that humans are created in the image of God. This can be reasonable if one includes the mind as part of that definition, but it is essential to recognize that simply referring to mind as an "energy" is not scientifically substantiated. References to quantum mechanics and other advanced scientific fields are often speculative rather than definitive scientific data.

Conclusion

The line between philosophy of science and scientific subjects examined by philosophy is often blurred in discussions about mind and energy. While there can be common ground and correspondences, it is unscientific to invent terminology and assume that such terms are logically coherent with scientific methods.

Terms like “mental energy” are not illustrative of scientific method and rigor. Instead, they often appear to be fuzzy thinking associated with New Age theories or poorly understood theology. Mind, however, can be examined in the context of science, philosophy, theology, and even law. The key is to avoid inventing terms that are not supported by scientific data and to maintain a rigorous approach to the study of the human mind.

Keywords: mental energy, spirit, mind, conservation of energy, causal closure