• Question: whats a soul?

    Asked by jadoolan to Damien, Rachael, Simon, Suzi, Tim on 16 Jun 2011. This question was also asked by mazzie10, oliviabu007.
    • Photo: Rachael Ward

      Rachael Ward answered on 16 Jun 2011:

      Hi jadoolan

      Wow, a very thought provoking question. I think some people say a soul is the essence of a person or their spirit if they are religious. A philosopher or religious person may have more knowledge or beliefs on this than me.

      Relating it to science, I dont think there is any scientific work that has found if there is a soul or what one is. I remember reading about one scientist from the 1900s who weighed people just before and after they died to try and find out the weight of a soul – believing that it left the body when someone died. I think he reported some differences but other scientists could never repeat this so it is generally thought he made a mistake or even made it up!

    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 16 Jun 2011:

      Hi @jadoolan
      Have you heard of the film 21 grams? This is based on the experiment Rachael describes, where the scientist found the weight of the soul to be 21 grams. But as Rachael says, no one could replicate it, so it’s unlikely he actually managed to weigh a soul, even if it exists.

      Great question!

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