In the Republic, Plato, speaking through Socrates, brings forth a theory of the Tripartite Soul. In other words, a theory that the soul is divided into three separate parts. The theory is lengthy, complicated, and elaborate. In this paper I will explain the theory of the Tripartite Soul for what it is. I will explain what, according to Plato, the three different parts of the soul are, also that Plato believes they are independent of each other within the soul and why, and the four virtues of the soul and where they can be found in and through its three separate parts. Plato initially states that there are two parts of the soul. The first part is the part of the soul that makes decisions thoughtfully and guides the soul rationally. He calls
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Wisdom is found in Reason. Wisdom is knowing what is best and how to make good decisions for a larger group of people or for an individual. Without wisdom, there can be no rational thought and no effective ruling of the soul. Courage is found in Spirit. Courage is part of the very being of an individual, giving them the fearlessness and strength to do what must be done. Without courage, there can be no spiritedness and strength of character. Temperance is found in the Appetite. Temperance is the controlling or ordering of something, in this case, desires. Temperance is found when the Appetite is controlled and falls under the command of reason. Plato has defined justice as all the parts or classes of something doing their job or part and only their job or part. It is something having order within itself. So justice in the soul is found when Reason, Spirit, and Appetite all exist in their virtues and perform their purposes in the natural intended order. In conclusion, Plato’s argument of the Tripartite Soul is explained through his showing of the existence of Reason, Spirit, and Appetite. He shows that Reason, Spirit, and Appetite are all different from one another and perform different, naturally ordered tasks within the soul and in each a virtue is found. The four virtues being wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice which is found when all parts of the soul exist and perform in the way they are intended
Wisdom is found in Reason. Wisdom is knowing what is best and how to make good decisions for a larger group of people or for an individual. Without wisdom, there can be no rational thought and no effective ruling of the soul. Courage is found in Spirit. Courage is part of the very being of an individual, giving them the fearlessness and strength to do what must be done. Without courage, there can be no spiritedness and strength of character. Temperance is found in the Appetite. Temperance is the controlling or ordering of something, in this case, desires. Temperance is found when the Appetite is controlled and falls under the command of reason. Plato has defined justice as all the parts or classes of something doing their job or part and only their job or part. It is something having order within itself. So justice in the soul is found when Reason, Spirit, and Appetite all exist in their virtues and perform their purposes in the natural intended order. In conclusion, Plato’s argument of the Tripartite Soul is explained through his showing of the existence of Reason, Spirit, and Appetite. He shows that Reason, Spirit, and Appetite are all different from one another and perform different, naturally ordered tasks within the soul and in each a virtue is found. The four virtues being wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice which is found when all parts of the soul exist and perform in the way they are intended