Plato's Philosophy: The Soul, Society, and Human Freedom

Plato's Conception of the Human Ideal

According to Plato, man is formed by a body and a soul; the body is material, and the soul is spiritual. The soul can attain knowledge of ideas, while the body is trapped in appearances. Plato believes that the soul is divided into three parts:

• The Rational: The source of wisdom and reason.
• The Irascible: The source of noble passions, such as courage and honor.
• The Concupiscible: The source of material passions and desires.

Plato uses the allegory of the "winged chariot" to illustrate these three parts. The rational part is the charioteer, guiding the chariot. The irascible part is represented by a noble horse, striving for honor. The concupiscible part is an unruly horse, driven by base desires. To achieve a good life, there should be harmony between these parts. However, this is not always the case, as a more dominating part can be found depending on the individual.

Plato's Republic: Society and Justice

In Plato's Republic, these three types of people are identified within three classes:

• Philosophers (Wise): Aiming to govern society, guided by reason.
• Warriors (Irascible): Whose purpose is to defend society, driven by courage.
• Producers (Concupiscible): Whose aim is to maintain society through labor and material production.

According to Plato, a just society should be governed by philosophers, as they have access to the world of ideas and truly understand justice and the common good.

Understanding Intrinsic Freedom

Intrinsic or internal freedom, also known as "freedom of choice" or "free will," presents the individual with the possibility of self-realization through their actions. Assuming a favorable environment, it allows individuals to build their own lives, impose personal goals, and fulfill their motivations. This freedom includes:

• Freedom of Exercise: The power to act or refrain from acting.
• Freedom of Specification: The power to act in one way or another.
• Moral Freedom: The power to choose between what is considered good or bad.

Free will implies that the individual fully assumes the object of their action, the manner in which it operates, and the consequences of their choice; that is, they take responsibility for their freedom. From different perspectives, it has been debated whether this division has a real existence or is merely the result of a thirst for freedom... "Are we truly free, or is it just an illusion?"