Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Socrates accused of?
Disrespect for the city of gods and corrupting the youth of Athens
What does Socrates mean by 'Know thyself'?
Humans must strive to seek their purpose and value
According to Socrates, what are the two realms of reality?
What is Plato's definition of the self?
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Match the parts of the soul according to Plato:
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According to Plato, genuine happiness can be achieved when reason is in control of spirits and appetites.
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What analogy does Plato use to explain the soul?
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Who influenced St. Augustine's thinking?
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How does St. Augustine view the relationship between the body and the soul?
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What does St. Augustine believe is a virtuous life?
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Study Notes
Socratic Philosophy
- Socrates faced accusations of disrespecting the gods and corrupting Athenian youth, prompting critical questioning of traditional beliefs.
- His approach to truth-seeking involved incessant questioning, leading to the development of the "Socratic method."
- Advocated that "Know thyself" is vital; unexamined life lacks worth, emphasizing the quest for purpose and value.
- Defined the self as an immortal soul that transcends time, asserting that knowledge comes from individual experience and understanding essence.
- Proposed a dualistic view of reality, separating the Physical Realm (transient and imperfect) from the Ideal Realm (unchanging and eternal).
Platonic Philosophy
- Plato was inspired to expand on Socrates’ ideas posthumously, contributing significantly to various philosophical fields including morality and epistemology.
- He defined the self similarly as an immortal soul existing over time.
- Introduced the concept of the Three-Part Soul:
- Reason: Facilitates deep thinking and informed choices.
- Physical Appetite: Represents biological necessities (thirst, hunger, sexual drive).
- Spirit or Passion: Embraces emotions such as love and anger, can either harmonize or conflict with the other parts.
- Illustrates the harmony and conflict within the self using the "Chariot Analogy" with Reason as the charioteer managing the Noble Horse (spirit) and Wild Horse (appetite).
St. Augustine's Philosophy
- Influenced by Plotinus and rooted in Platonic thought, St. Augustine emphasized the soul's superiority over the body.
- His views evolved, starting with the body as a "slave" to the soul, then transitioning to viewing them as partners and ultimately as a unity for completeness.
- Defined the self as an immortal soul existing across time, focused on the compatibility of body and soul.
- Proposed a virtuous life is centered on love; all sins result from straying away from love and God, aligning morality with divine love.
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Description
Explore various philosophical perspectives on the self in this quiz. Learn to discuss, compare, and reflect on different conceptualizations of self. Develop your understanding of how different philosophers approach this fundamental question of identity.
