Ghost in the Machine: Is there a soul?

Gilbert Ryles coined the term "Ghost in the Machine" in reference to Rene Descartes's writings on mind-body dualism. In light of Thunderf00t recent debate and statements on the soul, and the response to it by the worst witness for Jesus ever, VenomFangX, I wanted to do a little exploring on the issue.

I want to hear other people's reasoned opinions on the topic as well. Does a soul exist? Is the mind separate from the brain? Please leave your thoughts in the comments. Try to be civil : )

I'm a molecular biologist, not a cognitive scientist or philosopher, so my understanding of the topic will necessarily be colored by my educational background, and probably incomplete.

"There is a doctrine about the nature and place of the mind which is prevalent among theorists, to which most philosophers, psychologists and religious teachers subscribe with minor reservations. Although they admit certain theoretical difficulties in it, they tend to assume that these can be overcome without serious modifications being made to the architecture of the theory."

Ryle believes that the central principles of the doctrine are unsound and conflict with the entire body of what we know about the mind. "With the doubtful exceptions of the mentally-incompetent and infants-in-arms, every human being has both a body and a mind. The body and the mind are ordinarily harnessed together, but after the death of the body, tradition holds that the mind continues to exist and function. According to the official doctrine each person has direct and unchangeable cognisance. In consciousness, self-consciousness and introspection, he is directly and authentically apprised of the present states of operation of the mind."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_...