Philosophy paper final draft

Running head: VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE REALM 1

VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE REALM 2

Visible and Invisible Realm

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Visible and Invisible Realm

Socrates provided the affinity argument, which was intended to support the idea that the soul is immortal. Through this analysis, the concepts of the changing and intangible nature of the soul are analyzed in relation to the ever-changing nature of the body. However, there are different views concerning the arguments made by Socrates, paying close attention to why the affinity argument is considered weak amongst the philosophers. Elton (1997) and Apolloni (1996) provide different viewpoints of Socrates affinity argument, specifically on the difference between the visible and invisible realms, basing on the Phaedo and Plato’s claims.

The Views of Apolloni

Apolloni (1996) considers the affinity argument as a week claim made by Plato and not Socrates. In the article, the author argues that although the soul may not be a physical object like the body, it should not be perceived as being incomposite. He claims that since it is possible to disperse the soul, then the soul is not immortal and, therefore, it can be dispersed. However, the soul cannot be dispersed in the same as the body, which is a physical and tangible object.

Apolloni (1996) has his arguments based on the idea that the soul is invisible, while the body is visible. He argues that while the body continually undergoes change, the invisible nature of the soul ensures that it remains constant. However, the two are interconnected in that it is through the body that the soul is able to perceive. Moreover, the author believes that the invisible nature of the soul can also be attributed to its divine nature.

This writer also presents the thoughts of Plato concerning the intellect as another invisible part of the soul (Apolloni, 1996). He, therefore, is convinced that Plato’s views of the Affinity Argument are more understandable than those of Socrates. That is, the affinity and invisible nature of the soul can be used to explain some of the religious beliefs, such as the existence of ghosts. What is more is that although the soul and the body only differ through the emotional attachments of the body, people can experience spiritual fulfillment when the intellect is free from the desires of the body.

The Views of Elton

On the other hand, Elton (1997) provides a different opinion of the affinity argument, whereby he holds that the soul is entirely indissoluble. The author claims that Plato was not in agreement with the view, based on the analogical forms. Moreover, he explains that the soul should not be considered immortal, mainly because the soul ceases to exist.

The difference is the views provided in Elton (1997) are in that the author basis his claims on the analogical arguments made by the Cebes and the Simmias. The analogy of the tuning of the lyre is given, whereby the attunement is the immortal aspect while the lyre is the mortal part. Thus, it is claimed that if the strings of the lyre were to break, it would be expected that the lyre ceases to exist, while the attunement remains. However, this is never the case because the attunement is no longer there while the lyre remains visible. Thus, this kind of thinking should not be encouraged when comparing the invisible and visible natures of the soul and its relation to the body.

Furthermore, Elton (1997) views Socrates’ views of the visible and the invisible reams as an appeal to the emotions of the Simmias and the Cebes. That is it is not a rational philosophical argument, mostly because it lacks proof. Rather than, considering Socrates argument as accurate, Elton (1997) use the Phaedo to show how Socrates’ theory is an example of the making of mistakes in philosophy.

References

Apolloni, D. (1996). Plato's Affinity Argument for the Immortality of the Soul. Journal of the History of Philosophy, 34(1), 5-32.

Elton, M. (1997). The Role of the Affinity Argument in the" Phaedo". Phronesis, 42(3), 313-316.