Plato’s Theory of the Soul in Phaedo

Plato’s „Phaedo“ presents a rich exploration of the nature of the soul and its relationship to the body and the afterlife. In this dialogue, Socrates engages in a series of discussions with his followers, offering various arguments for the immortality of the soul. Through these arguments, Plato presents a complex conception of the soul that is both narrower and broader than our modern concept of the mind. While the soul is attributed certain responsibilities for the life of all living organisms, it is also emphasized that the soul is only responsible for a limited range of activities within the organism. Socrates‘ arguments touch upon the soul’s affinity with intelligible being, its role in animating living organisms, and its separation from the body at death. This presentation will provide an overview of Plato’s key arguments in the Phaedo regarding the nature, immortality, and functions of the soul.