Plato s Views On The Immortality Of The Soul - 1391 Words

In one of Plato’s famous dialogues Phaedo, Plato touches on some of the theories of Socrates that focus on the immortality of the soul. Plato explains four main arguments that attempt to prove that the soul is indeed immortal. After reviewing and analyzing the arguments given, I have come to the conclusion that Plato’s premises are not true. I believe that the arguments he offers are in some way invalid. In order to prove the validity of each discourse, I will evaluate each of the four arguments Plato presents. Before touching on the arguments of Plato from the theories of Socrates, the belief that the soul is immortal must be explained. The idea of immortality is expressed as conquering death. Therefore, Plato explains that the soul is immortal because through death, the soul is freed from the body. One can conclude that the soul and the body are two different entities that do not necessarily need each other for existence. In Phaedo, it is explained that a dedi cated philosopher should look forward to death. The soul should be freed from the body, which can only occur through death. The best way to understand this concept is to follow a true philosopher. This will guide a person into the realization that their ultimate aim in life should be the freeing of the soul from the body because death is the only way for the soul to live on until it is completely pure. The immortality of the soul can be further explained through the four arguments presented in Phaedo:Show MoreRelatedLove and Beauty1208 Words   |  5 PagesLove is neither wise nor beautiful, but the desire or pursuit of wisdom and beauty. Love is expressed via propagation and reproduction, as in the exchange and development of ideas. Socrates in the Symposium best expresses this belief. Socrates view of Love and Beauty was that one is the pursuit of the other, and that other is the greatest of all knowledge. 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