7 Questions
What is the true task of the philosopher according to the text?
To know thyself
What is synonymous with the self?
The soul
Which philosopher suggested that man must live an examined life through incessant soul-searching?
Socrates
What are the 3 components of the soul according to Plato?
The rational soul, the spirited soul, and the appetitive soul
What method does Socrates use for self-examination in the text?
Introspection
According to Plato, when does justice in a human person occur?
When the rational, spirited, and appetitive souls work harmoniously
Which philosopher was a student of Socrates and supported the idea of man having a dual nature of body and soul?
Plato
Study Notes
Socrates' Philosophy
- The first philosopher to engage in systematic questioning about the self
- Believed that the true task of a philosopher is to know oneself, a lifelong mission
- Equated the self with the soul
The Nature of Humanity
- Humans are composed of two aspects: the body (imperfect and impermanent) and the soul (perfect and permanent)
- Advocated for living an examined life with purpose and value through continuous self-reflection
- The Socratic method (introspection) involves carefully examining one's thoughts and emotions to gain self-knowledge
Plato's Philosophy
- A student of Socrates, supported the idea of humans having a dual nature (body and soul)
- Identified three components of the soul: rational, spirited, and appetitive
- Believed that justice in the human person can only be attained when the three parts of the soul work harmoniously
- In the ideal state, the human person's soul becomes just and virtuous
- Reason is responsible for resolving conflicts between the soul's components
Explore the life and philosophy of Socrates, the first philosopher to engage in systematic questioning about the self. Learn about the importance of self-knowledge, the soul, and living a purposeful and examined life through continuous introspection.
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