The discussion revolves around the concept of a "soul," exploring various definitions, beliefs, and interpretations. Participants engage in a mix of philosophical, psychological, and metaphorical perspectives on what constitutes a soul, including its existence, nature, and implications in life and death.
Participants express a range of views on the existence and nature of the soul, with no consensus reached. Some affirm the existence of a soul, while others deny it, leading to a contested discussion with multiple competing perspectives.
The discussion includes various assumptions about the definitions of life and consciousness, and there are unresolved questions regarding the criteria for defining and measuring the soul.
But you haven't defined it.jimmysnyder said:I wasn't asked to give any insight into a soul other than define it.
You got it backwards. There is no way to get rid of the lifeless body, all you can do is move the mess. It is the soul that is thrown away.DaveC426913 said:If I have a living thing, and it dies in my hands, and I throw away its lifeless body I am holding what's left. What am I (figuratively of course) holding in my hands?
jimmysnyder said:I wasn't asked to give any insight into a soul other than define it. Derive as much insight as you can. If you define the soul as the presence of oxygen in the blood, then do you believe in a soul?
So plants are not alive?Cyrus said:No, you misunderstood what I said. I mean lack of oxygen in the blood is the difference between someone alive or dead. Nothing to do with the concept of a soul.
Hang on a sec. I moved the mess (which is the living creature sans its soul), what is left behind?jimmysnyder said:You got it backwards. There is no way to get rid of the lifeless body, all you can do is move the mess. It is the soul that is thrown away.
But there is no difference in the amount of oxygen in the blood at the instant after death than there was at the instant before.Cyrus said:I mean lack of oxygen in the blood is the difference between someone alive or dead.
jimmysnyder said:So plants are not alive?
DaveC426913 said:Hang on a sec. I moved the mess (which is the living creature sans its soul), what is left behind?
You can't sidestep the question. If it exists as more than a concept, then I can measure it. Tell me how I can measure it.
As a wise man on another forum likes to say: I say there is an invisible elf in my backyard. How do you prove that I am wrong?
The mess, it's just in a different place. The soul left Dodge when the being died. You can't hold it in your hand, it's gone.DaveC426913 said:I moved the mess (which is the living creature sans its soul), what is left behind?
jimmysnyder said:But there is no difference in the amount of oxygen in the blood at the instant after death than there was at the instant before.
For purpose of my definition, a person that is a 'vegetable' is really alive. My definition of soul includes plants as well as animals.Cyrus said:Well, not in the same sense that animals are. I don't think the definition of life for a plant is the same as an animal.
For example, a person that's a 'vegtable' is alive, but not really.
Of course I can't hold it in my hand, that's why I keep saying "figuratively".jimmysnyder said:The mess, it's just in a different place. The soul left Dodge when the being died. You can't hold it in your hand, it's gone.
Don't get nasty. I was invited to this thread. You can't measure atoms either, but you can count them. There are as many souls are there are living beings.DaveC426913 said:Of course I can't hold it in my hand, that's why I keep saying "figuratively".
But if it exists, I can measure it, at least in theory. Tell me what it is I'm measuring or admit that you've put forth an unfounded belief.
jimmysnyder said:Don't get nasty. I was invited to this thread. You can't measure atoms either, but you can count them. There are as many souls are there are living beings.
I do not mean to come across as nasty. My apologies.jimmysnyder said:Don't get nasty. I was invited to this thread. You can't measure atoms either, but you can count them. There are as many souls are there are living beings.
Do you believe in physical theories?DaveC426913 said:I do not mean to come across as nasty. My apologies.
I can measure atoms. I can tell you quite a bit about them.
But I am getting a bit insistent because you have put forth a claim and are studiously avoiding defining it.
And I think that pretty much ends further discussion on it, since you won't define what it is we're discussing.
Do you believe in physical theories?Cyrus said:Thats a pretty bold and unfounded claim though, you must admit!
Sure you can measure atoms. Pick something up! You feel the weight of them, don't you? You can touch them, see them, taste them. You can even destroy them, or create them!
What do you mean? Do I believe there are such things as theories about the physical world? Sure. Theories, as with all thoughts, are concepts in the minds of humans. Souls are concepts in the minds of humans too.jimmysnyder said:Do you believe in physical theories?