2003 Articles

DNA AND NESHAMAH: Locating the Soul in an Age of Molecular Medicine

Pollack, Robert

In "Locating the Soul in an Age of Molecular Medicine," Robert Pollack explores the concept of the soul from both a scientific and religious perspective, addressing the challenges of defining and understanding the soul in an era dominated by molecular biology and genetics. Pollack discusses the historical and theological views on the soul, particularly within Jewish tradition, and contrasts these with modern scientific interpretations that often attempt to localize the soul within DNA or brain function. He argues for a more holistic and relational understanding of the soul, suggesting that it is not confined to any single part of the body or mind but is distributed across our interactions with others and our capacity for love and connection. Pollack concludes that the soul, while deeply connected to our biological nature, transcends any purely physical explanation and is best understood through the relationships that define our humanity.