The Ideal self, the Perfect self

Plato, ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle and founder of the
Academy, best known as the author of philosophical works of unparalleled influence.

What is the self according to Plato?

The soul (mind) itself is divided into 3 parts: reason; appetite (physical urges); and will (emotion,
passion, spirit.) The will is the source of love, anger, indignation, ambition, aggression, etc.
When these aspects are not in harmony, we experience mental conflict. The will can be on the
side of either reason or the appetites. We might be pulled by lustful appetite, or the rational
desire to find a good partner. To explain the interaction of these 3 parts of the self, Plato uses the
image is of the charioteer (reason) who tries to control horses representing will and appetites.
Elsewhere he says that reason uses the will to control the appetites.

Plato also emphasized the social aspect of human nature. We are not self-sufficient, we need
others, and we benefit from our social interactions, from other person’s talents, aptitudes, and
friendship.

Persons differ as to which part of their nature is predominant. Individual dominated by reason
seeks are philosophical and seek knowledge; individuals dominated by spirit/will/emotion are
victory loving and seek reputation; individuals dominated by appetites are profit loving and seek
material gain.