Plato’s Concept of Soul (Psykhē)
The aim of this study is to present an analysis of Plato’s view of soul (psykhē) within the framework of his extant works on this matter. In this regard, Plato’s view of soul is emphasized to be woven into his cosmological theory. Therefore, this study will examine in detail the Timaeus dialogue in...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | deu |
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Istanbul University Press
2022-07-01
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| Series: | Felsefe Arkivi |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/43B0A4688BA84F06A78BAEFB7F6D5CB8 |
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| Summary: | The aim of this study is to present an analysis of Plato’s view of soul (psykhē) within the framework of his extant works on this matter. In this regard, Plato’s view of soul is emphasized to be woven into his cosmological theory. Therefore, this study will examine in detail the Timaeus dialogue in which this issue is discussed and scrutinize the subjects treated in this work such as the creation of the corporeal universe, the formation of the World-soul (psykhē pantos), and the creation of other souls from the nature of the World-soul. Then the study will clarify the role of Demiurge as a craftsman as well as the roles of the other gods in this process, after which the nature of the mortal soul formed by the other gods apart from the immortal soul Demiurge had created with the remains of the World-soul will be analyzed. In this context, the study will question the relationship between the immortal and the mortal soul and explain the parts or functions of the soul known as the logistikon [reason], the thymoeides [spirit], and the epithymētikon [appetite]. Again, the study will attempt to show in light of Timaeus the embodiment of the soul, its descent to the corporal universe, and where in the body its aforementioned functions are located in this process. Next, the study will exemplify the three-part/functional nature of the soul through the myth of the winged soul in Phaedrus and by this means shed light on the process of the soul’s embodiment and celestial life before being embodied, namely the moment of the contemplation (theōria) of the realm of Ideas located in a region above the heavens (hyperouranion topon). Thus, the study will relate the narrations in Timaeus and Phaedrus to one another and clarify Plato’s view of the soul. As a result, the study will try to show that the soul according to Plato is a living being with the ability to establish connections between the realm of ideas and this world and that this therefore constitutes a vital point regarding Plato’s understanding of being and knowledge. |
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| ISSN: | 2667-7644 |