Abstract
The semantic structure of the Czech concept of DUŠE ('SOUL') comprises a physiological, psychical, social, ethical as well as spiritual (transcendental) profile. These profiles are very closely interconnected and in most of them, the soul is presented as an axiological concept, as a value.
The soul represents an existential value (similarly to life): in Czech, one takes an oath "on the soul" (na mou duši) or expresses one's devotion and affection with the phraseme dal by za někoho duši / život ("give one's soul or life for somebody"). The value aspect of the soul is reflected in language, in folklore as well as in belles-lettres and can also be observed in survey data from current Czech respondents (university students).
The study also focuses on Czech lyrics from 1968-1989 written by prominent Czech folk singers and music groups influencing the cultural and social atmosphere during the period of normalization (e.g. Karel Kryl, Spirituál kvintet etc.).
The analysis has shown that the perception of the soul as a value in the Czech context is reflected in two main profiles, the so-called general profiles: DUŠE1 (vital soul associated with life) and DUŠE2 (ethical or spiritual-moral soul, associated with conscience and the concept of good; rooted in the Christian worldview).