The Platonic Path to the Tripartite Conception of the ψυχή

Abstract

This essay deals with Plato's conception of the psyche and highlights the contradiction that underlies the different ways in which the author treats the nature of the psyche in the dialogues of the Phaedon and the Republic. One of the key notions in understanding Plato's leap from the simple soul to the composite soul is the alteration in the concept of stasis (conflict). This leap will lead to a different conception of the psyche, causing a split between these dialogues as to the immortality of the soul, leaving open different possibilities of interpretation and preventing a solid conclusion as to what happens to the soul after the death of the body.