The concept of a "soul" is a basic concept that is here to stay

[PseuTonym]

A mind understands an idea. It might be your mind or somebody else’s mind. Who or what feels pain? Although a limited cognitive capacity could prevent you from understanding some idea, it will not prevent you from experiencing some pain. Who or what has an intention? Does your mind have its own intentions different from your intentions?

If a limb has been amputated, can you feel a pain in that amputated limb? Phantom limb pain is real pain. What is a phantom is the sense of having a body part where the pain is localized, when one no longer has that body part. It is common to speak of having a pain “in” a particular part of your body, but it would be more accurate to speak of having a pain in your soul or psyche, and – if it feels as though it is localized – to describe or point to the location.

Nowadays, the word “soul” is used mostly in religious contexts. The word “psyche” is used in some other contexts. However, the concept of a soul or psyche is very basic. It would be a mistake to think of the words “soul” and “psyche” as being technical jargon suitable for specialists, and only for specialists.

 

[Linusthe2nd]

A mind understands an idea. It might be your mind or somebody else’s mind. Who or what feels pain? Although a limited cognitive capacity could prevent you from understanding some idea, it will not prevent you from experiencing some pain. Who or what has an intention? Does your mind have its own intentions different from your intentions?

If a limb has been amputated, can you feel a pain in that amputated limb? Phantom limb pain is real pain. What is a phantom is the sense of having a body part where the pain is localized, when one no longer has that body part. It is common to speak of having a pain “in” a particular part of your body, but it would be more accurate to speak of having a pain in your soul or psyche, and – if it feels as though it is localized – to describe or point to the location.

Nowadays, the word “soul” is used mostly in religious contexts. The word “psyche” is used in some other contexts. However, the concept of a soul or psyche is very basic. It would be a mistake to think of the words “soul” and “psyche” as being technical jargon suitable for specialists, and only for specialists.

Agreed.

Linus2nd

 

[bisco1]

even atheists believe that.

 

[GEddie]

Phantom-limbs and the like are brain phenomena, not soul phenomena, ISTM.

A part of the brain is assigned to each limb (a huge area to each hand, slightly less to each foot, smaller areas to the arms/legs proper, etc.). Part of the brain’s duty is to move the limbs to assure their wellbeing (limbs are made to move). When the limb is off the body and so cannot be moved, the result is phantom-limb discomfort. IIUC.

(If however, phantom limbs can be ascribed to the soul, this might explain Purgatory for “naked souls”: these would be experiencing phantom bodies.)

ICXC NIKA.

 

[PseuTonym]

Phantom-limbs and the like are brain phenomena

I completely agree with you.

Phantom-limbs are not soul phenomena

I cannot imagine what justification you have for that claim.

Can pain be in the brain, and not in the psyche or soul? If it can be, then you might go to the doctor and say that you are not consciously experiencing any pain that you are aware of, but that you are concerned that there might be pain in your brain, and that you want the doctor to make sure that your brain is not suffering from any pain. After all, you and your brain are close friends. It is natural to take an interest in your own brain.

 

[GEddie]

Alright, I was a wee bit sloppy in using the word “duty.”

I was thinking of the term not in a moral but in a physical sense, such as in “heavy duty” batteries, or a “duty cycle” on a piece of equipment. Duty, in this sense, is something the physical system is designed to do.

I am not a moral philosopher but a student of science.

In this case, part of our brain’s “design routine” is to move the limbs (as well as the neck, etc) to assure the body’s wellbeing.

I suppose one cannot separate soul from brain. Maybe, after all, there is no need to, as we agree that phantom-limb is a brain phenomenon.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[PseuTonym]

even atheists believe that.

Are you merely asserting that you suspect that at least one atheist believes that?

I have some doubts about my ability to know what it is that others believe. To a great extent, we rely upon what people say they believe, but of course in some cases there is self-deception and/or an attempt to conform to some expectations or self-portrait. Didn’t someone say that the world is merely a stage, and that we are all merely actors or players with roles on that stage?

Some atheists may strongly and clearly contradict what is written in the first message of this thread, and they may do so not coincidentally, but as part of their adherence to their particular atheistic philosophy.