What is Plato's theory of the soul?

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates

Mysticism
As depicted in the dialogues of Plato, Socrates often seems to manifest a mystical side, discussing reincarnation and the mystery religions; however, this is generally attributed to Plato. Regardless, this cannot be dismissed out of hand, as we cannot be sure of the differences between the views of Plato and Socrates; in addition, there seem to be some corollaries in the works of Xenophon. In the culmination of the philosophic path as discussed in Plato's Symposium and Republic, one comes to the Sea of Beauty or to the sight of the form of the Good in an experience akin to mystical revelation; only then can one become wise. (In the Symposium, Socrates credits his speech on the philosophic path to his teacher, the priestess Diotima, who is not even sure if Socrates is capable of reaching the highest mysteries). In the Meno, he refers to the Eleusinian Mysteries, telling Meno he would understand Socrates' answers better if only he could stay for the initiations next week.

Perhaps the most interesting facet of this is Socrates' reliance on what the Greeks called his "daemonic sign", an averting (ἀποτρεπτικός) inner voice that Socrates heard only when Socrates was about to make a mistake. It was this sign that prevented Socrates from entering into politics. In the Phaedrus, we are told Socrates considered this to be a form of "divine madness", the sort of insanity that is a gift from the gods and gives us poetry, mysticism, love, and even philosophy itself. Alternately, the sign is often taken to be what we would call "intuition"; however, Socrates' characterization of the phenomenon as "daemonic" suggests that its origin is divine, mysterious, and independent of his own thoughts."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates


"Socrates' belief in the immortality of the soul, and his conviction that the gods had singled him out as a divine emissary seemed to provoke if not annoyance, at least ridicule. Socrates also questioned the Sophistic doctrine that arete (that is, virtue) can be taught. He liked to observe that successful fathers (such as the prominent military general Pericles) did not produce sons of their own quality. Socrates argued that moral excellence was more a matter of divine bequest than parental nurture. This belief may have contributed to his lack of anxiety about the future of his own sons."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates#Philosophical_beliefs

Answer 2

Plato argues that the soul is tripartite. That is, the soul has three parts which are the rational, spirited and appetitive parts. Reason should govern the spirit (i.e. emotions) and appetites (food, drink and sex). Whenever reason governs the soul, then it can be said that one has a just soul. Plato essentially defines individual justice as harmony of the soul. This theory of the tripartite soul also explains why we often feel "civil strife" within our bodies. The appetites and our emotions try to do battle with reason. However, when reason is allowed to govern the emotions and impulses, an individual acts wisely. See Plato's Republic and Phaedrus.

Answer 3

I dont know what Plato's theory is of the soul

My theory of the soul is this, when your soul is happy so is life, when your soul is tired so is life,when your soul is hurting so is life, when your heart is weary your soul can refresh it, your soul is so deep inside that only one true love can touch it in your life time, I weep but my eye,s are dry my soul is crying deep within me, and when my body is gone from this earth my soul will be free of hurt,pain,anguish, and will live freely on...