How we talk about the 'soul'

 Do human beings have souls?

The philosophical question is ancient. Socrates’s talk about the flight of the soul in Phaedrus predates Christianity.

But I’m not thinking of the philosophical or theological notions of the soul — whether there is something immortal within us.

I’m thinking of the soul in terms of navy doctrine. Here’s a sample:

 

Character is developed by strengthening the soul. Our soul is our identity, it is the essence, who we are. The soul is what gives that motivation and determination necessary to maintain faithfulness to one’s commitments, beliefs, and values in the face of adversity and the daily grind. Character is simply a manifestation of the soul. The result will be Sailors with a “fighting spirit” living out character to execute for that which they fight.

 

I used to have lively arguments with friends about whether we could talk about “soul” without the baggage of assuming the existence of anything immortal within human beings.

My friends thought that you can’t use the word “soul” without wading into the swamp.

I thought that people use the word “soul” routinely without metaphysical claims. The language is no more magical, mysterious or suspicious than other metaphors.

I don’t think my arguments ever convinced anyone.

But I still contend that, when I was a brainless teenager, I believed I had a soul because the navy said I had one.

• Source: Warrior Toughness Leader’s Reference Guide, a publication of the U.S. Navy, can be found here:

https://www.netc.navy.mil/Portals/46/NETC/doc/Leader%27s%20Reference%20Guide.pdf