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Science and the Soul

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photoIn the last century, the great philosophical battle between religion and science concerned evolutionary biology. In this century, Yale University psychologist Paul Bloom believes religion and science will struggle to agree on exactly what constitutes the human soul.

Many believe one's soul is separate from the physical body, permanent and indestructible. Bloom instead thinks that the soul's physical nature is starkly demonstrated in cases in which brain damage wipes out capacities as central to our humanity as memory, self-control and decision-making.

Hear psychologist Paul Bloom explain his theory on the existence and qualities of the human soul.

Guests:

Paul Bloom, psychologist, Yale University

Jack Beatty, On Point News Analyst

Dr. Armand Nicholi, Harvard Medical School and author of "A Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex and the Meaning of Life." The PBS series "A Question of God" is based on Dr. Nicholi's book.

This program aired on September 17, 2004.

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