ANSWERS: 8
  • As said in the conclusion of the quoted article: "What to make of all this? MacDougall's results were flawed because the methodology used to harvest them was suspect, the sample size far too small, and the ability to measure changes in weight imprecise. For this reason, credence should not be given to the idea his experiments proved something, let alone that they measured the weight of the soul as 21 grams. His postulations on this topic are a curiousity, but nothing more." Source and further information: http://www.snopes.com/religion/soulweight.asp "Although generally regarded either as meaningless or considered to have had little if any scientific merit, MacDougall's finding that the human soul weighed 21 grams has become a meme in the public consciousness. It lent itself to the title of the film 21 Grams. In the end, however, his practices were considered fallible due to shaky methods and small sample size. Scientists disregard his research into this field due to allegations of bias." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_MacDougall_(doctor)
  • I have never heard of this study.
  • i have no idea. my first guess would be that the half ounce would be air...
  • When you measure the weight of an animal before and after they die you find no change! But when you measure the weight of a person before and after they die you find a change! Animals have no soul, only people have a soul! That's why man is to have dominion over the animals of the Earth! This is proof that there is a soul and that it has physical aspects to it!
  • No the article itself says these were highly suspect experiements which went nowhere. There is currently some research into NDEs but I suspect they will be much the same - inconclusive. There is little hope of proving life after death I am afraid. Maybe it will happen one day but I very much doubt it.
  • a soul is not material, therefore, can not weigh anything.
  • Some things can't be measured....but at the same time energy can....can't it?....so therefore if the soul is energy then it can be measured....?...quite apparently I am of no help here.....
  • I am a Christian, but I find this claim very doubtful. I am sure that if the experiment were repeated today, anyweight loss could be accounted for biologically. In 1911, things were a lot less sophisticated. I agree with tisten. The soul is not material, therefore has no weight.

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