A Typology of Analogies for Soul-Body Relation

The problem of accounting for the relation between soul and body was for long a focus of intellectuals. To clarify the relation, a host of analogies were used. Each of these analogies of the intellectual to the sensory were grounded in certain philosophical foundations. Based on our survey and in light of the analytic method, eight types of analogy for the soul-body relation were extracted: the relation of management and manipulation; that of a fine body running in a coarse body; that of the origin and branches; that of deployment and utilization; that of immanence; a relation based on passion and love; the relation of manifestation; the relation of meaning and word. This research aims to provide a typology of the analogies for the soul-body relation, analyze the grounds and assumptions underlying each, and highlight their implications and consequences. The espoused view is that of “word and meaning” because of its linguistic advantages.