how to define "soul"

[Sevre]

You need to listen to more Death Cab, let them define it and crush your heart while you're at it.

 

[Glerken]

When I think of soul I think of the music...
And I'm not a fan of it.

 

[Danpascooch]

So far as I can see there are three definitions of "soul". These are not mutally condradictory 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)

"Soul" is non-existent, our consciousness is simply the result of chemical interactions in our brains.

 

[Pegghead]

Man I thought you were talking about soul food *Sniffle* my favourite.

But on the soul, it's a very airy fairy concept. In most religions they never really explain what the soul actually is, they just make alot of reference to it. I guess it's up to you to figure out what the soul is.

 

[Julianking93]

I hardly ever use the word soul unless I'm writing something, then I use the normal "spirit" definition.

 

[Skeleon]

I'd say mostly 1.).
The qualities ascribed to souls are part of the consciousness.
I wouldn't call that non-physical, though.

 

[Aesir23]

A soul to me, is basically the essence of who we are. Granted, a lot of things about the human psyche can be traced back to various functions within the brain, but the soul is more of a symbol of who we are. Our morals, personality, beliefs, etc.

 

[Soxafloppin]

The third option is closest to my own definition.

 

[Kajt]

A soul to me is something made up by humans a long, long time ago that probably doesn't exist.

Putting that aside, I'd say it's probably "the essence of who we are".

 

[Woodsey]

Just who you are; your personality and that something indescribable about you. Your personal good and bad scale also, which goes deeper than your personality.

Nothing spiritual though.

 

[flare09]

Well I was going to say a song that has nice groove is a way to define soul. But I just say it's what is occupying our human bodies until they are no longer able to hold our souls.

 

[NBSRDan]

Your three definitions are all the same definition: The immaterial, undetectable essence of a human that is separate from their consciousness.
Other definitions of "soul" include:
Soul music, a style of Rhythm 'n' Blues
Passion, especially as a creative force
A single human (derived from the first definition)

 

[cicaba]

1. I don't think so
2. Kinda
3. That's true in many religions, that's basically the big deal (for me at least)
it's experiencing things. That's a poor definition, hope others post some more!
Apart from thekIng his definition is pretty much it for me too.

 

[rokkolpo]

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

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

exactly this.
(once again the first poster was right on spot.)

 

[Voodoomancer]

It's the incorporeal part of you.

[sub]Page 2![/sub]

 

[Cherry Cola]

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

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

exactly this.
(once again the first poster was right on spot.)

WOHO! Cookie for me then, I guess

 

[rokkolpo]

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

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

exactly this.
(once again the first poster was right on spot.)

WOHO! Cookie for me then, I guess

as soon as i don't suck at computer stuff.

that cookie will get old.

 

[Ekonk]

Body, spirit and soul right?

Body is easily defined.

Spirit could be defined as conciousness.

The soul cannot be defined and perhaps doesn't exist.

 

[Pyotr Romanov]

Souls are the currency in Demon's Souls.

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

Are you saying that if I kill an animal, I won't be able to pay for any equipment or stats?

Seriously though, I don't believe in souls, and I had something witty to say about pulses and connections in our brains now, but I lost my train of thought... Meh.