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Single Idea 2127

[from 'The Republic' by Plato, in 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 5. Unity of Mind ]

Full Idea

If someone is thirsty but something is making the mind resist the pull of its thirst, isn't this bound to be a different part of the mind from the thirsty part?

Clarification

'Mind' is the Greek word 'psuché', which covers mind and consciousness and life

Gist of Idea

The mind has parts, because we have inner conflicts

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.374 BCE], 439b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.149


A Reaction

For Descartes there is one mind pulled by appetite and the 'natural light'. For Hume they don't seem to be 'parts' of anything. For Fodor there is an integrated team of modules. I like Fodor, and good integration is virtue.