Ancient Greek Philosophy on the Self (PDF)

LESSON 1 The Pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales, Pythagoras, Parminides and Heraclitus rejected traditional mythological explanations for the phenomena they saw around them in favor of more rational explanations. They started to ask questions like where did everything come from, and why is there...

LESSON 1 The Pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales, Pythagoras, Parminides and Heraclitus rejected traditional mythological explanations for the phenomena they saw around them in favor of more rational explanations. They started to ask questions like where did everything come from, and why is there such variety, and how can nature be described mathematically? They tended to look for universal principles to explain the whole of nature. Philosophical perspective of the SELF Pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales, Pythagoras, Parmenides, and Heraclitus rejected traditional mythological explanations for the phenomena they saw around them in favor of more rational explanations. They started to ask questions like where everything came from, why there is such variety, and how nature can be described mathematically. They tended to look for universal principles to explain the whole of nature. After a series of philosophers from all across the ancient Greek world who were concerned by the same issue, a man came out to question something else. This man was Socrates. Unlike the Pre-Socratic, Socrates was more concerned with another subject, the problem of the self. After a series of philosophers from all over the ancient Greek world were concerned by the same issue, a man came out to question something else. This man was Socrates. Unlike the Pre-Socratic, Socrates was more concerned with another subject, the problem of the self. Socrates' approach to understanding the self was centered around the concept of self-examination and critical thinking. He believed that the path to wisdom and self-awareness began with questioning one's own beliefs, values, and assumptions. He famously stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living," underscoring the importance of introspection and self-awareness. In the philosophical framework of Socrates, the concept of the self was often closely connected to the idea of the soul. Socrates believed in the immortality of the soul and its central role in the pursuit of wisdom, virtue, and self-understanding. Socrates' belief in the soul's immortality was rooted in his understanding of the eternal nature of knowledge and virtue. He argued that because true knowledge and virtue were not bound by the limitations of the physical world, they must be connected to the eternal nature of the soul. In this sense, the self, as understood by Socrates, was intricately tied to the soul's journey toward self-improvement, self-awareness, and alignment with the higher truths. Socrates' concept of the self and the soul: Immortality of the Soul: Socrates believed that the soul is immortal and pre-exists before birth and continues to exist after death. He argued that if wisdom and virtue are eternal and unchanging, they must be connected to something eternal, which he believed was the soul. This immortality of the soul implies that the self, as a core aspect of a person's identity, is not limited to the physical body but is an enduring entity. Pursuit of Wisdom and Virtue: Socrates emphasized that the primary goal of life should be the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. He believed that understanding one's truth self-involved examining one's beliefs, values, and motivations to align them with the highest ideals of truth, justice, and morality. In this context, the soul was seen as the seat of these intellectual and moral qualities. Self-Examination and Self-Knowledge: Socrates' approach to understanding the self-involved rigorous self-examination and introspection. By questioning one's own beliefs and assumptions, individuals could uncover their own ignorance and recognize the need for constant self-improvement. The soul's journey towards self-knowledge was central to this process, as it allowed individuals to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, desires and biases, and thus work towards moral growth. Alignment with Eternal Truths: Socrates believed that the soul's pursuit of wisdom was a way to connect with eternal truths and principles that transcended the physical world. Through philosophical inquiry, individuals could tap into the innate knowledge stored within their souls and gain access to higher realities. This alignment with timeless truths was a path to achieving a state of eudaimonia, which can be understood as flourishing, well-being, or living in accordance with one's true nature. Daimonion as a Guide: Socrates often referred to a "Daimonion" or inner divine sign that provided guidance in his life. This guiding voice was thought to be connected to the soul and served as a moral compass. Following this guidance was essential for living a virtuous life and fulfilling one’s potential. LESSON 2 Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates had a complex perspective on the self, which is central to his overall philosophy. His ideas on the self can be found primarily in his dialogues, with key insights offered in works such as "Phaedrus," "Phaedo," and "The Republic." Plato's views on the self can be summarized as follows: The dualism of the Self: Plato believed in a dualistic view of the self, distinguishing between the body (the physical realm) and the soul (the spiritual or immaterial realm). He argued that the body is temporary and perishable, while the soul is eternal and unchanging. The self, for Plato, primarily refers to the soul. 1.Tripartite Soul: Plato further divided the soul into three distinct parts, each with its own functions and desires: Reason (logos): This is the rational, intellectual part of the soul responsible for thinking, knowledge, and decision-making. It seeks truth and wisdom. Spirit (thumos): This part is associated with emotions, courage, and the pursuit of honor. It is the source of our passionate and competitive nature. Appetite (epithumia): The appetite is the soul's most basic and material aspect. It is responsible for physical desires such as hunger, thirst, and sexual desire. 2.Hierarchy of the Soul: Plato believed that the ideal state of the self involves the rational part (reason) governing and controlling the other two parts (spirit and appetite). This hierarchical arrangement ensures a balanced and harmonious life. When reason rules, an individual can achieve wisdom and moral virtue. 3.Transcendence and Immortality: Plato argued that the soul is eternal and unchanging, having existed before birth and continuing to exist after death. The soul's knowledge is not derived from sensory experience but is innate, acquired in a pre-existent state. Individuals can recollect this innate knowledge through philosophical contemplation and introspection and achieve self-awareness. 4.Metaphysical Realism: Plato's ideas about the self are deeply connected to his broader metaphysical views. He believed in the existence of an objective, eternal realm of Forms or Ideas, of which the physical world is merely a flawed copy. The soul's connection to the world of Forms enables it to access timeless truths and attain genuine knowledge. 5.Education and Virtue: Plato argued that the purpose of education is to cultivate the rational part of the soul and lead individuals toward self-awareness, self-improvement, and the pursuit of virtue (arete). In "The Republic," he outlined his vision of an ideal society governed by philosopher-kings who possess the highest level of self-knowledge and wisdom. LESSON 3 Aristotle divides the soul into three parts: Vegetative soul: This is the lowest form of soul and is shared by all living things. It is responsible for the basic functions of life, such as growth, reproduction, and nutrition. Sensitive soul: This is the second form of soul and is found in animals. It is responsible for the senses, such as sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. Rational soul: This is the highest form of soul and is found only in humans. It is responsible for reason, thought, and imagination. Aristotle believed that the soul is the form of the body. This means that the soul is what makes the body alive and gives it its specific characteristics. The soul is not separate from the body, but rather it is the organizing principle of the body. The three parts of the soul are hierarchically arranged, with the rational soul being the highest and the vegetative soul being the lowest. The rational soul is what distinguishes humans from other animals. It is what allows us to reason, think, and imagine. Aristotle's view of the soul has been influential in Western philosophy and psychology. It has been used to explain the nature of consciousness, the relationship between the mind and the body, and the development of human personality. Here are some additional details about each of the three forms of soul: Vegetative soul: The vegetative soul is responsible for the basic functions of life, such as growth, reproduction, and nutrition. It is present in all living things, from plants to animals. The vegetative soul is not capable of thought or feeling. Sensitive soul: The sensitive soul is responsible for the senses, such as sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. It is also responsible for the emotions and desires. The sensitive soul is found in animals, but not in plants. Rational soul: The rational soul is responsible for reason, thought, and imagination. It is the highest form of the soul and is found only in humans. The rational soul allows us to reason about the world, to make moral judgments, and to create art and literature. Aristotle's view of the soul is a complex and sophisticated one. It has been debated by philosophers and psychologists for centuries. However, it remains an influential and important theory of the nature of the soul. EXAMPLE Vegetative soul: A plant's growth and reproduction are examples of the vegetative soul. Sensitive soul: An animal's ability to see, smell, taste, touch, and hear are examples of the sensitive soul. Rational soul: A human's ability to reason, think, and imagine are examples of the rational soul. Here are some more specific examples: Vegetative soul: A seed germinating and growing into a plant is an example of the vegetative soul. Sensitive soul: A dog chasing a ball is an example of a sensitive soul. Rational soul: A human solving a math problem is an example of the rational soul. It is important to note that these are just examples, and many other possible examples of each form of soul exist. The three forms of the soul are not mutually exclusive; each form can be found in different degrees in different living things. For example, A human being has all three forms of soul, but the rational soul is the highest and most developed form. A plant, on the other hand, only has the vegetative soul