Single Idea 23266

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 1. Mind / c. Features of mind]

Full Idea

The spirited part of the soul is desiderative of freedom, victory, power, authority, reputation, and honour.

Gist of Idea

The spirit in the soul wants freedom, power and honour

Source

Galen (The soul's dependence on the body [c.170], Kiv.2.772)

Book Reference

Galen: 'Selected Works of Galen', ed/tr. Singer,P.N. [OUP 1997], p.152


A Reaction

This is the concept of 'thumos' [spirit], taken straight from Plato's tripartite account of the soul, in 'Republic'. Note that it includes a desire for freedom (in an age of slavery).

Related Idea

Idea 6041 There is a third element to the mind - spirit - lying between reason and appetite [Plato]