Do human beings have souls?

The belief that humans have souls enjoys broad support in the general population. Among philosophers and scientists, however, belief in the soul is far less common. The relationship between the soul and body has been a subject of intense debate since French philosopher René Descartes proposed his famous theory of mind-body dualism. Recently, new advances in psychology and neuroscience have come closer to explaining many of the complex brain functions once thought inexplicable. However, these advances have given way to an increasingly reductionistic and materialistic attitude towards human existence. Many feel that this attitude reduces them, in the words of one writer, to a “walking, talking, conscious bag of dirt.” Is there room for the human soul in our understanding of humans?

Read the top arguments on both sides to decide for yourself!