¶8 • Pilcrow to Eternity
Hellenic Ontology of Psyche
The "Ontology of the Soul" is a philosophical and metaphysical concept that explores the nature and existence of the soul. It delves into questions about the soul's essential characteristics, its relationship to the body and mind, and its role in human identity and consciousness.
This field of study seeks to understand the soul's place in the broader framework of reality and often touches upon topics such as immortality, free will, and the connection between the spiritual and material aspects of existence.
Different
philosophical and religious traditions offer varying interpretations of
the ontology of the soul, which has been a subject of debate and
speculation throughout the history of philosophy and theology.
With this article, we will explore the surface of the Hellenic Ontology of Psyche, and get a glimpse of their soul-theories & doctrines.
The exploration of the Soul's Ontology, is a profound voyage through the philosophical and metaphysical realms, illuminating our comprehension of the soul's inherent nature and existence. As we delve into this captivating field of study, it becomes apparent that the journey is not merely an intellectual pursuit; it is a transformative odyssey.
In our exploration, we uncover not only the complex nature of our spiritual essence but also the spiritual benefits of such exploration. It enriches our daily lives by shedding light on the profound questions of existence, immortality, and our connection to the divine.
This dive into the depths of our existence & being, offers a path to enlightenment, essential self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation of the mysteries that make life truly meaningful.
Metaphysical ontology of the soul deals with questions related to the nature of being, the nature of substances, and the relationships between different entities in the universe. In the case of the soul, metaphysical ontology may explore questions such as:
• What is the essence of the soul? What is it made of?
• Is the soul a separate, immaterial entity, or is it intricately connected to the physical body and mind?
• Does the soul have an enduring existence beyond the physical realm (immortality), or is it inherently tied to the lifespan of an individual?
• How does the soul relate to consciousness and personal identity?
• What is the role of the soul in shaping our human experiences and interactions with the world?
Metaphysical ontology invites contemplation of these profound questions to better understand the soul's place in the grand scheme of reality and to explore the nature of existence beyond the physical and material aspects of life. It is a branch of philosophy that seeks to uncover the deeper, often abstract, aspects of reality that underlie our experiences and perceptions.
• Hellenic Ontology of Psyche •
From the Pre-Socratic thinkers who intertwined soul with cosmic concepts to the Hellenistic philosophers who shifted the focus to ethics and human existence, the evolution of this concept is a captivating exploration.
Plato's intricate theories on the soul, emphasizing immortality, the connection to eternal Forms, and its tripartite nature, add a layer of spiritual depth to our existence. His notions of recollection and reincarnation underline the soul's preexistence and its quest for knowledge and moral virtue, elevating the quality of everyday life through a pursuit of higher truths.
Aristotle's hylomorphic theory reinforces the inseparable unity of the soul and the body, emphasizing the interdependence of our physical and metaphysical dimensions. The pursuit of moral and intellectual excellence becomes the soul's ultimate purpose, leading us to a life of rational contemplation.
The Pythagoreans, with their belief in the numerical essence of the soul and its divine origin, offer a unique perspective on the soul's identity. Their emphasis on wisdom, balance, and ethical purification underscores the soul's journey toward liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and a return to the divine source.
The ontology of the soul underwent significant developments and changes from the Pre-Socratic period to the Hellenistic period in ancient Greek philosophy.
Pre-Socratics
During the Pre-Socratic period, philosophers were primarily concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of reality and the cosmos, and the concept of the soul was often intertwined with ideas about the nature of the universe.
ত Anaximander, one of the earliest Pre-Socratic philosophers, did not
explicitly discuss the soul, but his ideas about the "apeiron" (the
boundless or infinite) influenced later thinkers by introducing abstract
concepts into philosophical discourse.
ত Heraclitus is known for
his doctrine of change and the notion that everything is in a state of
flux. He believed that a divine fire (logos) underlies all existence,
and this concept had some influence on later philosophical discussions
about the soul.
ত Parmenides argued for the primacy of the "One,"
a unified and unchanging reality, which contrasted with the ordinary
sensory experience of the world. His ideas had implications for
discussions about the nature of the soul and its relationship to the
material world.
Hellenistic period
In contrast, the Hellenistic period saw a shift in philosophical concerns towards ethics and human existence, which had a profound impact on how the soul was conceptualized. The various schools of thought within the Hellenistic period offered diverse interpretations of the soul's ontology and its significance in human existence.
ত Epicureanism : The Epicureans, led by Epicurus, believed that the soul is composed of atoms and is mortal. They held a materialistic view of the soul and considered it to be a product of the body, ceasing to exist after death. Their philosophy emphasized the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
Epicureanism with names : Epicurus, Lucretius, Cicero, and Philodemus
ত Stoicism :
Founded by Zeno of Citium, proposed a more rational and ethical
understanding of the soul. Stoics saw the soul as a divine spark within
each individual, closely connected to reason and virtue. They believed
in the immortality of the soul, although it was not described in a
traditional religious sense but rather as a continuation of the
individual's rationality and ethical character.
Stoicism with names : Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes, Chrysippus, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius
ত Neoplatonism :
In the later Hellenistic period, Neoplatonism emerged, influenced by
the earlier works of Plato. Plotinus, a prominent Neoplatonist,
reintroduced metaphysical and mystical aspects to the soul. In
Neoplatonism, the soul is seen as an eternal and divine entity
temporarily connected to the material world, striving to return to a
higher realm of reality.
Neoplatonism with names : Plotinus, Porphyry, Iamblichus, Proclus.
These developments in the Hellenistic period marked a shift from the cosmological concerns of the Pre-Socratic philosophers to a greater emphasis on ethics, the nature of the soul, and its relationship to the divine or metaphysical realms.
꘏
Plato on Psyche
Plato's ontology of the soul is deeply intertwined with his metaphysical and ethical philosophy. He believed that the soul's ultimate purpose was to pursue knowledge of the Forms and cultivate virtue.
The soul's connection to the transcendent realm of the Forms and its potential for immortality were central themes in Plato's philosophy.
• In his dialogue "Phaedo", Plato presents arguments for the soul's immortality, suggesting that it is unchanging and eternal, contrasting the impermanence of the physical world. The soul's immortality was tied to its connection to the realm of Forms, which were unchanging and eternal.
• Plato's "Meno" dialogue introduces the idea that knowledge is not acquired from external sources but rather recollected from a prior existence. This implies that the soul, before birth, had knowledge of eternal truths and experiences, reinforcing the concept of the soul's immortality.
Plato's theory of
reincarnation and the doctrine of recollection further underscored his
belief in the soul's preexistence and its potential for attaining higher
knowledge and virtue.
• In "The Republic" Plato introduced the concept of the tripartite soul. He divided the soul into three parts, rational ~ irrational ~ desirable, each having distinct functions.
• "Phaedrus" and "Timaeus," hint at a theory of reincarnation. While not as elaborated as in some Eastern religions, Plato suggested that souls may go through a cycle of rebirth in different bodies as they seek purification and perfection.
• In "Phaedrus" Plato introduces the allegory of the chariot, which describes the soul's journey through life. The soul is depicted as a charioteer guiding two horses—one noble and rational, the other base and irrational. This allegory illustrates the soul's struggle to attain higher knowledge and moral purity.
Plato's Dialogues are available on Bookshelf.
Visit the Index page.
In summary, Plato's ontology of the soul revolves around the idea of the soul's immortality, its connection to the world of eternal Forms, and its tripartite nature, with reason, spirit, and desire as its core components. He also introduced notions of recollection and reincarnation, emphasizing the soul's preexistence and its pursuit of knowledge and moral virtue as the ultimate purpose.
Plato's key theories of soul ontology encompass its immortality, connection to the Forms, tripartite nature, the doctrine of recollection, and the potential for reincarnation. These elements collectively form Plato's rich and complex understanding of the soul's existence, significance, and ultimate goals within the context of his philosophical system.
꘏
Aristotle on Psyche
Aristotle's ontology of the soul is a central component of his philosophy and can be found primarily in his work "De Anima" (On the Soul).
He believed that the soul is the animating principle of living beings, and he introduced a hylomorphic theory of the soul, which combines matter (hyle) and form (morphe).
According to Aristotle, the soul is the form of the body, meaning it gives a living organism its specific characteristics and capacities. He identified three main types of souls: the vegetative soul, responsible for basic life functions like growth and reproduction; the sensitive soul, which enables perception and desire; and the rational soul, unique to humans and responsible for intellect and reason.
Aristotle's ontology of the soul also emphasizes the interconnectedness of the soul and the body. He rejected the idea of the soul's immortality and viewed it as intrinsically tied to the body.
The soul's functions and virtues, are best realized in a life of rational contemplation and the pursuit of moral and intellectual excellence.
In "De Anima" (On Soul), he explores various theories and concepts related to the nature of the soul. Here are some of the key theories and ideas presented.
Threefold Classification of Souls :
- The nutritive/vegetative soul, which is responsible for growth and reproduction in living things. This type of soul is shared by all living things, including plants and animals.
- The sensitive soul, which is responsible for perception and sensation. This type of soul is unique to animals, and is further divided into the faculties of touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. Also has the ability to move in response to perception.
- The rational soul, which is responsible for thought and reason. This type of soul is unique to humans, and is further divided into the faculties of intellect, will, and imagination. The rational soul encompasses intellectual and rational capacities, enabling thought, reason, and deliberation. It is the seat of consciousness and self-awareness.
Hylomorphism : Posits that all living beings are composed of matter (hyle) and form (morphe). In the case of the soul, it is the form of the body, organizing and shaping the material substance to create a living being.
• Unity of the Soul : Aristotle emphasizes the unity of the soul within an individual. While the soul has different faculties and functions, it is not divided into separate entities. Instead, it operates as a unified whole.
• Sense-Perception : Aristotle delves into the nature of sense-perception, explaining how different senses provide information about the external world. He discusses sensory modalities, their respective objects, and how sensory perception contributes to knowledge.
• Intellect and Reason : He distinguishes between the passive intellect (the potential for abstract thought) and the active intellect (the actualization of thought). He discusses the role of reason in abstract thinking and knowledge acquisition.
• The Role of Imagination : a concept of imagination (phantasia), which bridges the gap between the sensory and intellectual realms. Imagination allows humans to form mental images and engage in thought about absent or abstract objects.
• Motion and Desire : the relationship between desire, emotion, and motion. He suggests that emotions and desires can influence voluntary and involuntary actions.
꘏
Pythagoreans on Psyche
The Pythagoreans also associated numbers with the nature of reality, and they believed that the soul had a numerical essence. They thought that each soul was characterized by a specific number that represented its individuality. This idea of numerical identity influenced later philosophical and mystical traditions, such as Neoplatonism.
• Immortality of the Soul
The Pythagoreans believed that the soul is immortal, meaning it does not cease to exist upon the death of the physical body. Instead, the soul continues its existence in a different form.
They thought that the
soul was a divine and eternal entity. They held that the soul was
trapped in the material body and that its ultimate goal was to free
itself from the cycle of reincarnation and return to the divine source.
• Transmigration of the Soul (Metempsychosis)
The Pythagoreans believed in the transmigration of the soul, where the soul reincarnates into different bodies over successive lifetimes. This process is a means for the soul to learn and evolve, and to purify itself as to eventually achieve a state of spiritual liberation and return to the divine source, the Agathó.
• Divine Origin of the Soul
According to Pythagorean doctrine, the soul has a divine origin and is a fragment of the divine world. It is inherently connected to the cosmic order and the divine principles that govern the universe.
• Numerical Essence of the Soul
Pythagoreans believed that the soul has a numerical essence. Each soul is associated with a specific number that represents its individuality and characteristics. This numerical identity is a fundamental aspect of the soul's nature.
• The Pursuit of Wisdom
Pythagoreans emphasized the importance of wisdom and intellectual pursuits in the soul's journey. They believed that through the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom, the soul could achieve a state of greater purity and closeness to the divine.
• Harmony and Balance
The soul's well-being and spiritual growth depended on maintaining harmony and balance in life. This involved living a virtuous and balanced existence, as excess or imbalance could hinder the soul's progress.
• Liberation from the Cycle of Reincarnation
The ultimate goal of the soul, according to the Pythagoreans, was to free itself from the cycle of reincarnation. By going through a series of reincarnations and learning from each life, the soul could eventually return to the divine source, the Agathó.
• Ethical Purification
Ethical purification and moral behavior were essential for the soul's development. The Pythagoreans emphasized virtues such as justice, temperance, and self-control as a means to cleanse the soul and progress toward its ultimate goal, which is return to the divine source, the Agathó.
꘏
Exploring the nature of our Soul and of Reality, is not a mere intellectual pursuit; it is a transformative odyssey.
This voyage into the heart of our being offers a path to enlightenment, an avenue for essential self-awareness, and a deeper appreciation of the enigmatic aspects that infuse life with true meaning.
As we roam Ontology's field of study, we delve into the captivating depths of our cosmic existence, we not only unravel the complex nature of our human essence but also reap enlightenment as spiritual reward.
#CosmicWisdomGr, is a meta-ontology project with which i aim to enhance our Minds with Wisdom of Cosmos & profound Truths of Reality, as discovered by Cosmic Consciousnesses of ancient Greece that explored Nature and unveiled it's elements and Essence.
With a constellation of philosophers that took wings up to the realm of Forms and Stoicism as the grounding node, we explore timeless wisdom and pursue spiritual cultivation.
Each member of the philosophical constellation contributes their unique wisdom to the project's tetraktys : Nature, Virtues & Pathe, Balances & Harmony, and Methexis.
Although all information is essential, the articles are written in a simple manner as to make it easy to comprehend the theories & key-points, and create a ground-floor of understanding for meditations & contemplating.
• Visit the Project's page for an in depth understanding of the chosen philosophers' contributions to Spiritual Cultivation & ascent, or
visit their respective pages and converge with their philosophies, core
theories, ethics, metaphysics, and overall contribution to Episteme (aka Philosophy).
• Visit the Articles' Index for the posts of all philosophers, and their respective X • thread links [ ত ]
• If you're PINterested ~ visit the project's Pin board, or have a look at the EsoAlchemy one.
꘏
Complementary Synthesis • "Cosmic Meta-Logistics" .
Intellectual Meditations
delve into the Essence of Universal Truths,
expand your mental horizons towards infinity,
and experience Cosmic Forms & Ideas.
Follow noetic trails that lead you to Cosmic horizons
& cultivate your Spirit via the path of Intellect.
Meditate on and Contemplate with,
concepts & theories, symbols & archetypes.
An intro guide is available here.
.png)
