Both, I suppose. As far as my world goes, the soul isn't something used to weigh one's deeds - that's more along the lines of a conscience, I think. They're separate principles. The soul itself contains everything you are; your life-force, so to speak.
Dealing with them directly involves something...similar to what you're describing, I think; souls are tangible things to be understood and, in some instances, touched and physically manipulated - though I wouldn't say flinging them at people would get you very far.
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Dealing with them directly involves something...similar to what you're describing, I think; souls are tangible things to be understood and, in some instances, touched and physically manipulated - though I wouldn't say flinging them at people would get you very far.