Analysis Of Socrates Theory Of Immortality Of The Soul

Plato’s collection of dialogue on the account of immortality of the soul depicts a conversation between Socrates and his disciple, Cebes, on the understanding of proof as to why in fact, the soul is immortal above the physicality of the body. Socrates rationalizes his philosophical theory though means of example and reasoning. Although his theory provides thorough justification there is no tangible proof to support his ideas. Earlier in the reading Simmias, another disciple of Socrates presented a theory, which Socrates then swiftly debunked that classified the soul as an attunement of all combinations that creates the human presence. While it is not the focus of the reading, this theory can provide enlightenment into further understanding Socrates theory of immorality of the soul. Socrates provides good …show more content…
In short, three is without fail an odd number, but as is five, seven, nine, and so on. Therefore, three cannot be separated from being odd, but odd does not necessarily have to be three. Moreover, even and odd are opposites, yet two and three are not. As such, “ three, although not the opposite of even, nevertheless does not admit it.” (86) Therefore in regards to the soul, one may think of it in relation to odd, and life as three. The soul is still the soul without the physicality of life, but not the contrary. Life does not exist without the soul. The opposite of life is death, yet the soul does not possess a counterpart. Thus, according to Socrates, if soul cannot admit death it is inevitably immortal (87). If by characteristics of order, an entity that cannot die, or is immortal, must then also be indestructible. As death approaches man the mortal part of him will die, but the immortal part of him will be relinquished unscathed. Plato records Socrates last note in this dialogue as “soul is immortal and imperishable, and that our souls will really exist in the next world.”