From Myth to Neuroscience: Tracing the Conceptual Evolution of the Soul in Philosophy, Psychology, and Psychiatry

Abstract

The concept of the «soul» originates in ancient philosophy and mythology, yet retains indirect relevance in contemporary scientific discourse. Although modern science often treats it as an epiphenomenon or conceptual atavism, the soul remains foundational for key psychological constructs and is linguistically embedded in disciplines such as psychology, psychiatry, and neuropsychology. This duality reflects a broader disciplinary divergence: while philosophy continues to engage with the soul as a legitimate object of inquiry, psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience explicitly exclude it from their conceptual frameworks. However, emerging trends in post non classical science and neo classical philosophy suggest a reconsideration of ancient insights in light of new empirical data. Advances in cognitive science and neuroscience have reignited interest in the relationship between brain processes and subjective experience. This has prompted a gradual shift away from the classical Cartesian understanding of the psyche toward novel conceptualizations grounded in: • behavioral neurobiology; • cognitive neuroscience; • integrative neurobiological approaches. These developments are increasingly engaging with pre scientific conceptions of the soul, reevaluating them through the lens of contemporary brain research. The present article traces the evolution of the soul concept across historical and disciplinary boundaries — from mythological origins and ancient philosophical systems to modern cognitive and neuroscientific paradigms. It demonstrates how contemporary neuroscience is fostering a renewed, evidence based dialogue with age old questions about the nature of subjective experience and consciousness, particularly through advances in human brain research.