Plato’s 1st Argument for the Immortality of the Soul from...

Plato’s 1st argument for the Immortality of the Soul from opposites and Theory of Reincarnation Plato’s Phaedo is a dialog between Phaedo, Cebes and Simmias where Socrates gives some arguments for the immortality of the soul. In this work, Phaedo tells us about Socrates’ final days, who has been convicted to death. Great philosopher does not have a fear of death because he believes that when a man dies, the soul still exists even if the body perishes. Trying to prove his arguments, Socrates presents two proofs – Doctrine of Opposites and second which is based on Theory of Recollections. In Phaedo he writes: â€Å"That soul, I say, herself invisible, departs to the invisible world – to the divine and immortal and rational†¦Ã¢â‚¬ .†¦show more content†¦People from these denominations do believe in concept of rebirth. But religious sects such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism do not believe in theory of reincarnation. This theory is ve ry close to Plato and some other Greek philosophers who believe in the Immortality of the soul. As for me, in some cases I do agree with Plato – in Theory of Opposites. Undoubtedly, in our world we can always find two opposite things, actions, etc. Small and tall people, healthy and unhealthy people, sunny and cloudy day, hot and cold weather†¦ But I do not believe in the Immortality of the soul in general. To my mind Plato came to this conclusion due to the times he lives in. But we cannot base our beliefs on what we want to be true; the truth can be found by weighing the evidence for a given idea. Thus, he took what he knew to be true at the time and formulated his opinions which were founded on that knowledge. I guess, if Plato lived nowadays, may be he would approach to another conclusion. I do not think that Plato makes credible arguments for the immortality of the soul. To my mind, his concepts were built on his desires. I mean, that life is difficult and awkward e nough without knowing of our mortality. There is inexplicable reality that so many people struggle so hard and it seems so unjust. Let’s take a simple example of a man, who has passed away in the accident. He did not do anything wrong – as most people he was working,