PHILOSOPHY;Plato’s tripartition
PHILOSOPHY;Plato’s tripartition
How does Plato’s tripartition of the soul in the Republic affect his doctrine that the soul is immortal?
The focus of the essay:
This question directly asks about Plato’s account of the tripartite soul in the Republic, and asks them to consider this in light of Socrates’ frequent claim (in the Republic but also in the Phaedo, the Phaedrus, the Meno and elsewhere) that the soul is immortal. Indirectly, the question directs you to consider whether it is consistent with Plato’s tripartition to think that the soul is immortal and, if so, whether this requires the view that only some part or all parts of it are such as to be able to survive death.
A good answer will therefore explain Plato’s tripartite analysis of the human soul in the Republic and consider what kinds of desires and activities seem to define each part. A good answer will also present key remarks about the immortality of the soul in terms of the three distinct parts, and consider remarks about the characteristics and activities attributed to souls when they are described as not being in the human body (as, for instance, in the Phaedrus and the Phaedo). A very good answer will explore the compatibility of these desires and functions, and an excellent answer may discuss the arguments for the distinctness of parts (or aspects) of the soul in Book IV of the Republic and consider the possibility of conflict for the disembodied soul. A solid grasp of Plato’s tripartite account must be demonstrated by showing the connection between the defining desires of the three soul parts and the possibility of experiencing them after death.
