The puzzle about the soul revolves around its location and its work in human existence. The discussion began with early philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. They differed on whether it dies or takes another form and continues to live when a person passes on. Do we have a soul? The answer to this question lies in the few paragraphs below.
It is common to equate the soul with the mind. Both are not tangible but while one is more about intelligence, the other deals with conscience. Their interchangeable use arises from the fact that both are not physical and therefore are deductions from human existence. Metaphysics, biology and religion define the term differently.
According to different religious believes the spirit enters the body at creation and comes from God. The bible records that God breathe life into the molded clay. This is translated to be point where human beings draw their spirit from. As such, it lives and defines a person for the duration he or she is alive. It is the carrier of principles of morality and therefore is rewarded or condemned for good or bad deeds by God in the afterlife.
Early philosophers differed on its fate upon death. Plato thought that it only resided in the body and left at death. Aristotle claimed that it died as well and thus denying it existence afterwards. Whichever direction one takes, it is clear that they agree on existence.
The puzzle on souls or spirits deepens when one considers if animals possess souls. Do animals think and feel just like human beings and if they do, what gives them the capacity? Can souls be equated to life or is there any difference? Though animals are considered to be less intelligent, their existence follows almost a similar path to that of humans. They are born, they live and die. Is it possible that they have souls too?
Biologists contend that the human body is not just physical cells. They identify a third dimension that creates a difference between the living and the dead. According to their discussion, this third dimension could be what gives human existence the element of life. Their discussion is informed by the intangible and invisible nature of what defines human existence beyond brain impulse.
The ownership and form of existence of souls provides an answer on the debate. Religion claims that it is owned by God and responsible for morality. It is the part that feels guilt, pleasure and instructs a person to do well. These are attributes that are thought to be absent in animals. This is therefore considered to be the differentiating factor between humans and animals.
Whichever point of view one buys, it is clear that human beings possess souls. It can be considered as the life or the nature of humanity and a defining factor considering that human beings are rational and inclined to do good. Its point of entry into and exit from the body are the differing factors. What is not in doubt is that human being have a third dimension that provide feelings and a considerate nature.
It is common to equate the soul with the mind. Both are not tangible but while one is more about intelligence, the other deals with conscience. Their interchangeable use arises from the fact that both are not physical and therefore are deductions from human existence. Metaphysics, biology and religion define the term differently.
According to different religious believes the spirit enters the body at creation and comes from God. The bible records that God breathe life into the molded clay. This is translated to be point where human beings draw their spirit from. As such, it lives and defines a person for the duration he or she is alive. It is the carrier of principles of morality and therefore is rewarded or condemned for good or bad deeds by God in the afterlife.
Early philosophers differed on its fate upon death. Plato thought that it only resided in the body and left at death. Aristotle claimed that it died as well and thus denying it existence afterwards. Whichever direction one takes, it is clear that they agree on existence.
The puzzle on souls or spirits deepens when one considers if animals possess souls. Do animals think and feel just like human beings and if they do, what gives them the capacity? Can souls be equated to life or is there any difference? Though animals are considered to be less intelligent, their existence follows almost a similar path to that of humans. They are born, they live and die. Is it possible that they have souls too?
Biologists contend that the human body is not just physical cells. They identify a third dimension that creates a difference between the living and the dead. According to their discussion, this third dimension could be what gives human existence the element of life. Their discussion is informed by the intangible and invisible nature of what defines human existence beyond brain impulse.
The ownership and form of existence of souls provides an answer on the debate. Religion claims that it is owned by God and responsible for morality. It is the part that feels guilt, pleasure and instructs a person to do well. These are attributes that are thought to be absent in animals. This is therefore considered to be the differentiating factor between humans and animals.
Whichever point of view one buys, it is clear that human beings possess souls. It can be considered as the life or the nature of humanity and a defining factor considering that human beings are rational and inclined to do good. Its point of entry into and exit from the body are the differing factors. What is not in doubt is that human being have a third dimension that provide feelings and a considerate nature.