The discussion about the existence of the soul is fueled by the need to understand its function in the body and where it is located. Early philosophers like Plato and Aristotle unsuccessfully tried to provide an answer. They could not agree on whether it continues to live or dies with the flesh. Today the question on, Do we have a soul or not, still lingers. The following paragraphs will provide an answer.
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.
During creation in Genesis, God is said to have breathe life into clay. Christians thus believe that this is what gives human beings their souls. It is equated to life and therefore perishes when a human being dies. This is the same form that will face judgment from God and be the beneficiary of eternal life.
In ancient civilizations, Plato argued that human souls resided in the body when people are alive. Upon death, it flies away leaving the flesh to decompose. Aristotle on the other hand insisted that souls die with bodies making them one and the same existence. There is yet to be clarity on what happens when one dies and what form the spirit takes.
The debate on whether animals have souls deepens the mystery. Do they think and feel like humans do and if this is the case, do they use souls? In the same light, is it possible to equate souls to life and what differences exist? The intelligence of animals is considered lower than that of human beings but their path in life is similar involving birth, life and death. Is this an indication that they too have souls?
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.
While the debate ranges, questions about the ownership and fate of souls arise. Religions assign ownership to gods who also allocate the souls the responsibility over morality. They claim that souls are responsible for instructing the body into doing well, enjoying pleasure and feeling guilty. As such, they differentiate humanity from animals which confirms their existence.
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.
During creation in Genesis, God is said to have breathe life into clay. Christians thus believe that this is what gives human beings their souls. It is equated to life and therefore perishes when a human being dies. This is the same form that will face judgment from God and be the beneficiary of eternal life.
In ancient civilizations, Plato argued that human souls resided in the body when people are alive. Upon death, it flies away leaving the flesh to decompose. Aristotle on the other hand insisted that souls die with bodies making them one and the same existence. There is yet to be clarity on what happens when one dies and what form the spirit takes.
The debate on whether animals have souls deepens the mystery. Do they think and feel like humans do and if this is the case, do they use souls? In the same light, is it possible to equate souls to life and what differences exist? The intelligence of animals is considered lower than that of human beings but their path in life is similar involving birth, life and death. Is this an indication that they too have souls?
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.
While the debate ranges, questions about the ownership and fate of souls arise. Religions assign ownership to gods who also allocate the souls the responsibility over morality. They claim that souls are responsible for instructing the body into doing well, enjoying pleasure and feeling guilty. As such, they differentiate humanity from animals which confirms their existence.
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.
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