مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري

Abstract :

According to Aristotle, man is an entity composed of two separate elements: soul and body. Body is the physical part and soul is the form shaping body and giving it the qualifications of humanity. Therefore the soul, which is the principle of life, is the purpose and the body is a means to that. Soul being the purpose of body gives it the talent of motion and directs it to a specific aim. Aristotle rules out the distinction between body and soul which is supported by Plato, and regards them as two different elements of essence. Aristotle supports the integrity of the soul and rejects the idea that it is composed of several parts. He states that the soul has three different functions: vegetative, animal and mental. Vegetative soul regulates vital functions of human existence such as born, growth, nutrition and survival. The basic function of the animal soul is the sensation. The third and final function of the soul is the reasoning. According to Aristotle, the most prominent feature of human soul is being donated by intelligence. Intelligence is divided into active and passive minds. Passive mind is subject to senses; it collects and organizes the data provided by sense. On the other hand self-directed active mind universalizes the knowledge obtained by experiments, abstract imagery from objects and seeks to reach to science. This study aims to present the basic features of Aristotle’s concept of soul.