2. / Columbia Encyclopedia
  3. / Philosophy and Religion
  4. / Other Religious Beliefs and General Terms
  5. / Religion: General
  6. / soul

soul

Introduction

soul, the vital, immaterial, life principle, generally conceived as existing within humans and sometimes within all living things, inanimate objects, and the universe as a whole. Religion and philosophy have long been concerned with the nature of the soul in their attempts to understand existence and the meaning of life.

Sections in this article:

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Religion: General

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

sandbbox logo
FEN Learning is part of Sandbox Networks, a digital learning company that operates education services and products for the 21st century.