Date of Award
5-18-2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Tim O'Keefe - Chair
Second Advisor
Andrew I. Cohen
Third Advisor
Jessica Berry
Abstract
I will address the issue of Plato’s use of myths concerning the afterlife in the context of the ethical arguments of the Gorgias, Phaedo and Republic, and I will contend that while the arguments in each dialogue are aimed at convincing the rational part of the self, the myths are aimed at persuading the non-rational part of the self. In support of this interpretation, I will examine Plato’s views on the relation between the different parts of the soul and the relationship that poetry and myth have to philosophy. I will argue that Plato’s use of myth is a legitimate tactic in his project of moral education, given his views concerning the role that the non-rational parts of the self play in one’s moral life.
Recommended Citation
Issler, Daniel William, "The Role of Afterlife Myths in Plato's Moral Arguments" (2009). Philosophy Theses. Paper 56.
http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/philosophy_theses/56