Plato's tripartite theory of soul is a theory of soul proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his treatise the Republic. In it, Plato argues that the soul is composed of three parts: the appetitive, the rational, and the spirited. These three parts of the soul also correspond to the three classes of a just society.[1] Individual justice consists in maintaining these three parts in the correct balance, where reason (aided by spirit) rules, and appetite obeys.
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In Book 4 of the Republic Socrates states that opposite actions, affections and states cannot be assigned to one thing in respect of the same part of it, in relation to the same object and at the same time[2]. For instance, it seems that, given each person has only one soul, it should be impossible for a person to simultaneously desire something yet also at that very moment be averse to the same thing, as when one is tempted to commit a crime but also averse to it. Both Socrates and Glaucon agree that it should not be possible for the soul to at the same time both be in one state and its opposite. From this it follows that there must be at least two aspects to soul.[3]
The appetitive aspect of soul is the one that is responsible for the base desires within people. It is responsible for the simple cravings needed to stay alive, such as thirst and hunger, and also for unnecessary cravings such as sexual excess or the desire to over-consume at meal time. The desires for necessary things (such as food and drink) should be restricted by the other parts of the soul, while unlawful desires should be restricted completely by the other aspects of soul.[4]
The rational soul (mind or intellect) is the thinking portion within each of us, which discerns what is real and not merely apparent, judges what is true and what is false, and wisely makes the rational decisions in accordance with which human life is most properly lived.
The spirited soul is the source of the desires that love honor and victory. In the just soul, spirit acts as the enforcer of the rational soul, ensuring that the dictates of reason are followed. Emotions such as anger and indignation are the result of the frustration of the spirit.[3]
In the Republic, Plato also indicates that the three parts of the soul also correspond to the three main classes of a just society.[5]