Science and the Search for Meaning - Part Three: Does the "Soul" Still Matter‪?‬

In this hour, Keith Ward is a prominent theologian and philosopher at Oxford University and the University of London. His books include In Defense of the Soul and The Big Questions in Science and Religion. Ward talks about the soul with Steve Paulson.

Next, Princeton neuroscientist Michael Graziano tells Steve Paulson that our ideas about spirits and the soul can be entirely explained by new insights from brain science. Graziano's book is God, Soul, Mind, Brain.

Then, Anne Strainchamps asks Columbia College philosopher Stephen Asma what his colleagues make of the soul these days.

After that, we hear a story from Elna Baker, author of The New York Regional, Mormon Singles Halloween Dance. And, Parker Palmer tells Jim Fleming why the soul still matters in an age of science. Palmer is an author, educator and founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal. His books include Teaching with Heart and Soul.

Following that, some ordinary people give us their takes on the soul, then Nancey Murphy talks with Steve Paulson. Murphy is a professor of Christian philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary. She tells Steve Paulson Christians would be better off without the soul.

And finally, novelist Marilynne Robinson talks with Anne Strainchamps about the role of the soul in the age of modern science. Robinson's novels include Gilead and Home. [Broadcast Date: December 8, 2010]