more from Plutarch

Single Idea 5960

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 2. Psuche]

Full Idea

The soul, when it has partaken of intelligence and reason and concord, is not merely a work but also a part of god and has come to be not by his agency but both from him as source and out of his substance.

Gist of Idea

When the soul is intelligent and harmonious, it is part of god and derives from god

Source

Plutarch (67: Platonic Questions [c.85], II.1001)

Book Reference

Plutarch: 'Selected Essays and Dialogues', ed/tr. Russell,Donald [OUP 1993], p.33


A Reaction

A most intriguing shift of view from earlier concepts of the psuché. How did this come about? This man is a pagan. The history is in the evolution of Platonism. See 'The Middle Platonists' by John Dillon. Davidson is also very impressed by reason.