Plato's Republic Book IV: Soul and Body

What does Plato suggest about the relationship between the soul and the body?

According to Aristotle, what is the role of reason in human life?

What does the Golden Mean refer to in Aristotle's philosophy?

How does Aristotle define happiness?

What is St. Augustine's view on the relationship between the soul and the body?

What does Aristotle believe happiness is achieved through?

What does Plato mean by the 'continuous ascent towards the world of ideas'?

Which aspect does Aristotle emphasize for human development?

How does St. Augustine combine different traditions in his philosophy?

What does Aristotle argue about living a life dominated by the senses?

The soul is the "giver of life to the body", permanent, changeless, and divine, whereas the body is changing, transitory, and perishable.
The self is "a soul using the body", implying the body is just a shell of the soul.
Life is a "continuous ascent towards the world of ideas", striving to free the soul from its imprisonment in the body.

The self consists of body and soul, mind and matter, sense and intellect, passions, and reason.
Reason is supreme and should govern all life's activities.
When reason rules over the senses, a human person tends to live a happy life, whereas dominance of the senses leads to a chaotic life.
Aristotle emphasizes reason, but also values the development of physical, economic, and social powers.
Human happiness comes from the harmonious development of the whole self.
Perfection and happiness come from wisdom (true knowledge) and virtue (doing what is best for you).
The theory of the Golden Mean advocates for moderation, avoiding extremes, and living in consonance with reason.

Combined Greek philosophy with Scriptural truths.
The soul possesses a body that does not control its own good, but rather serves the soul, proving its power.