Republic of Plato – Three Forms of the Soul by Beverley McInnis

By Beverley McInnis
Copyright 11-03-2001

In the Republic of Plato, discussion centred on the argument that the soul has three distinct parts – rational, spiritual and appetite. Socrates argued that for a society to be just, the individual must be just; therefore, the individual soul must contain three distinct elements, which would parallel the three elements of society. (Melden, 1967, 54) Although I believe that at times the arguments and proof for this idea was simplistic, I will utilize those discussions and my own beliefs to prove that Socrates was correct in his statement that the soul contains three separate parts which work together to create a just individual.

Socrates argued that a society has three elements – guardians, soldiers and producers – and each element performs a specific function. For a society to be just, each element must do the function to their best ability, which is a virtue. As the discussion continued, Socrates stated that the same elements and characters, which appear in the state, must exist in every individual. Socrates questioned if this was not so, where did these elements and virtues, which exist in society, come from? (pg 54)

As I read the discussion, I felt it was logical; if the virtues of a society where not in an individual, how could the society uphold itself? My understanding of a society is it is merely a collection of individuals who have created a sense of rules on living together; therefore, each individual would bring certain values, elements and functions into the society. Since each individual contributes to the society, those elements, which are present in the society, must have come from the individual; therefore, individual souls contain three separate elements.

As the discussion continued, Socrates began to further develop his proof on the soul containing three separate elements. Socrates argued that there must be at least two separate elements within the soul – one, which stops a person from carrying out an action and another, which creates the desire for the action. Socrates stated that since two things cannot act in two opposite ways or be in two opposite states, there must be more than one force within the soul. (pg 55)

My understanding of basic physics proves this to be true – that an action/object cannot be resting and moving at the same time unless another force is involved. In addition, there is a principle of logic which states a thing cannot be itself and also be its’ opposite. Further along this line of reasoning, basic physics dictates that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, which involves two separate forces; therefore, following this line of reasoning, there must be at least two separate forces within an individual.

Through the argument that when man has thirst, he doesn’t always drink, Socrates concluded that man reflects upon an action prior to carrying out the action and he called that “rational.” (pg 56) If there wasn’t reflection, man would simply “run amok” – doing whatever passion was strongest at the time even if it created harm in himself or others. The rational element in the soul allows the soul to attain the virtue of “wisdom” – thinking over an action, weighing the consequences before doing the action. Most people do carry out reflection in their daily interactions although they may not actively think about every consequence.

As the discussion continued, Socrates told a story about a man who felt drawn to look at dead bodies even though he experienced disgust at the action. Socrates concluded that there is a part of man who has strong emotions linked to “raw appetite” while another part fights the desire. (pg 58) Socrates demonstrated through this illustration the difference between two elements of the soul – “spirit” and “appetites.”

Even today, people struggle with their “raw appetites.” This is evident at a car accident where people gather to view the carnage while fighting the rational side to move on or at movie theatres where people pay to watch horror and violence, yet are appalled at the contents of the film.

As the paper continued, Socrates discussed the element of “spirit.” Socrates stated that if man feels he is in the wrong, he would accept ill treatment for his actions.; if a man feels wronged, he will fight for justice. (pg 58) Socrates further stated children are passionate from birth without the rational element, which is developed later in life; therefore, spirit is involved to balance the appetites. (pg 58)

Socrates believed the spirit was the third element and important in creating balance between rational and appetites. Socrates also believed the three elements of the soul mirrored the three elements in society. As this paper proved, there must be three elements within the soul because man has passionate appetites, yet doesn’t always follow through on the desires; Spirit is the gatekeeper that assists man in keeping the two forces in check, while giving the human person “life and vitality.” Without the three elements, the soul/individual would not be just and in turn, the society would not be just nor function.

WORKS CITED:
Melden, A.I., PhD, Editor. Ethical Theories, A Book of Readings. New Jersey. Prentice Hall. 1967

REFERENCE:
Melden, A.I., PhD, Editor. Ethical Theories, A Book of Readings. New Jersey.
Prentice Hall. 1967