Platonic Dualism Between Soul/Mind and Body Flashcards
How does Plato defend the distinction between soul and body?
Plato’s defense of the distinction between the soul and the body stems from his dualistic view of reality. He posits that the soul and the body are separate entities, with the soul being immortal and the body being mortal. According to Plato, the soul is eternal, unchanging, and exists prior to its embodiment in a physical body. This dualistic perspective allows for the distinction between the enduring, incorporeal soul and the transient, material body.
Plato’s theory of Forms further supports the distinction between the soul and the body. According to this theory, the material world is a realm of imperfection and flux, while the realm of Forms is a transcendent realm of perfect and unchanging essences. Plato argues that the soul belongs to the realm of Forms, where it has knowledge and understanding of eternal truths. The body, on the other hand, belongs to the material world and is subject to sensory perception and the limitations of the physical senses.
What does Plato mean by the soul?
The soul is the cause of life. That which animates the body. Based on the difference between “living body” and “dead body”. It is also the source of consciousness. Based on the difference between mental and physical states.
Explain the difference between Dualism & Monistic materialism with respect to what it means to be a human being.
Dualism is the philosophical position that posits the existence of two distinct and separate substances: the mind or soul and the body. According to dualism, human beings are composed of both a physical body and a non-physical mind or soul. Dualism holds that the mind/soul and the body interact to form a unified human experience, but they are distinct entities. This perspective allows for the possibility of a continued existence of the mind/soul beyond the death of the physical body.
In monistic materialism, human beings are considered entirely physical entities. Consciousness, thoughts, emotions, and personal identity are seen as emergent properties of the physical processes occurring in the brain. The mind is viewed as a product of the brain’s neural activity and is not considered a distinct substance. Rejects the existence of a separate non-physical mind or soul and posits that all aspects of human experience can be explained by physical processes. It does not allow for the existence of an immaterial aspect beyond the physical body. Consciousness is only an effect of the body. A living body is simply a body in motion.
Explain the main argument for the soul’s Immortality.
Argument From the Essence of the Soul: The soul is essentially life itself, while the body is that which happens to have life. A “dead soul” is like a “square-circle” a logical impossibility, a contradiction in terms, that cannot be. Hence, the soul cannot die.
Explain Plato’s doctrine of the tripartite soul: What are the three parts of the psyche and how does Plato defend this analysis?
Reason = the intellectual part. The part that loves wisdom and learning. Reason knows and guides. When reason is in control, it can harmonize the desires and impulses of the other parts, ensuring virtuous behavior and the pursuit of the individual’s ultimate good.
Spirit = the competitive part. The part that loves honor and victory. Spirit energizes. Plato suggests that the spirited part of the soul serves as a guardian and protector. It can be harnessed to support reason and virtue, enabling individuals to act courageously and justly. However, when unchecked, an excessive or misdirected spirit can lead to aggression, arrogance, and a lack of self-control.
Appetites (Desires) = the desiring part. The part that blindly desires pleasure/satisfaction. Desire motivates. Plato argues that the desires of the appetite can often conflict with reason and lead to irrational and immoral behavior. When the appetite dominates the soul, it can lead to excess, indulgence, and a lack of self-discipline. However, when properly regulated by reason, the desires of the appetite can be channeled toward virtuous actions and the pursuit of genuine human flourishing.
Plato defends this tripartite analysis of the soul by suggesting that a harmonious soul is one in which reason governs the other parts. He argues that the well-ordered soul is analogous to a well-governed city-state, where reason acts as the philosopher-king, spirit as the guardians, and the appetite as the working class. Plato suggests that a virtuous individual is one in whom reason, spirit, and appetite are in proper balance and harmony, with reason guiding and directing the other parts towards the pursuit of the ultimate good.
What is the principle of non-contradiction?
Something X cannot be both A and non-A.
