how to define "soul"

[WayOutThere]

So far as I can see there are three definitions of "soul". These are not mutually contradictory and I think we mean all three of them when we talk about the "soul".

1) A non-material, non-physical something that holds our memories, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

2) It is what gives life value. Possibly, it is what seperates humans from animals.

3) It is what survives the death of our bodies and goes on to the next world.

What do you mean when you use the word "soul"?

(preferably don't mention what you believe, just entertain the idea regardless)

 

[Cherry Cola]

It's a music genre also. With mostly black people.

Also, I use the soul as a metaphor. Mostly soul symbolizes ambition.

 

[Captain Pancake]

I think of the ideas and thoughts of a person, their opinions and the little things that make them who they are. Any animal can think, but it takes soul to create something.

 

[Redingold]

When I hear the word soul, I think of number 3, basically. I don't believe in it, but that's what comes to mind.

3) It is what survives the death of our bodies and goes on to the next world.

 

[SomethingUnrelated]

Soul=Mind

Pretty much that to be honest. Soul maybe goes a bit deeper, as in, defining who a person is, and being tied into fate.

Personally, I don't believe the soul exists anyway.

 

[Neonbob]

Usually?
A method of payment.

But what you put for #3 is a common thought, too.

 

[Bored Tomatoe]

I use it jokingly most of the time. Or when I refer to soul music. I don't believe in souls...

 

[Abedeus]

Yeah, most likely soul is tied to mind. That is also a quite good reason for why humans might have a soul and animals don't.

Also, soul is a nice thing you can sell. Because you can't actually give it, it belongs to you for ever. So if you sell your soul for something, you are getting that thing for free.

 

[GundamSentinel]

I don't. A soul isn't a very useful or realistic concept for me and my outlook on life.

 

[ReSpawn]

Whenever I use the term I use it like I use "my god" or "jesus titty-fucking christ".

I use it specifically in reference to all the emergent complexity of the human brain/mind.

The qualities that, due to our current limited understanding, seem abstract from the physical nature of the brain.

 

[Ryuk2]

''1) A non-material, non-physical something that holds our memories, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.''
No, brain holds memories, thoughts, feeling and beliefs.
''2) It is what gives life value. Possibly, it is what seperates humans from animals.''
No, we have no value of life. We have the instinct of survival, that doesn't separate us from animals. Humans are losing their instincts and more people are starting to understand that there's no point in living.
''3) It is what survives the death of our bodies and goes on to the next world.''
Well that is if you believe in religion. Could be, but not something that i believe in.

I think that soul is just a figure of speech, like ''evil'', ''good'' or other stuff. You use the word ''soul'' when your talking about somebody's standards, beliefs or something.
-I don't believe in god.
-Oh snap, you have no soul.

 

[WayOutThere]

Oh snap, you have no soul.

:0

 

[Abengoshis]

A form of music. Soul honestly means nothing to me, seeing as I don't believe one exists. I entertained the topic though, didn't I?

 

[Axioma]

Glowy thing.

Seriously, every time I've ever seen a soul, it glowed. Sometimes it's shaped like a person and sometimes it's just a ball of light, but it always, always glows.

Come to think of it, a lot of things glow.

 

[Vanguard_Ex]

Soul: a secular form of gospel that was a major Black musical genre in the 1960s and 1970s; "soul was politically significant during the Civil Rights movement"

 

[theklng]

conscience

 

[Vlane]

I can't define it but I know how it's voice sounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd4q0Xx-u1Y

Listen to it, it kicks ass.

 

[The Maddest March Hare]

Tasty.
Easily Harvested.
Often Corrupt.
Ok I'll say something serious. Your soul is what makes you "you". It's the non-physical being that we need to function..somehow. I don't pretend to know if they're real. Just we seem to have something more than we realise

 

[Joshy8632]

Tasty.
Easily Harvested.
Often Corrupt.

Chocolatey too.

I dont have one so i can say stuff like this.

 

[The DSM]

I dont belive in souls, nor morality, because im that kind of person.