Socrates

For Socrates, the soul is the person's true self. In fact, Socrates said that when we turn inward
in search for self-knowledge, we would eventually discover our true self. Viewed from this
vantage point, the self is our “inner being”.1

Plato
The mind is the sense of self and it desires an understanding of the Forms. The soul is the
driving force behind body and mind. Plato argues that the soul is eternal and, in his later works,
he toys with the idea of the afterlife. He also explains the soul as having three functions -
reason, emotion, and desire.2

Aristotle
While Aristotle believes that the human person is essentially body and soul, he was led to
interpret the “true self” of humans as the soul that animates the body. However, Aristotle
believes that the body is as important as the soul as it serves as “matter” to the soul.3

1
Steph. (2021, July 17). Socrates's concept of the self - understanding the self. PHILO.
https://philonotes.com/index.php/2020/09/06/socratess-concept-of-the-self/.
2
Take online Courses. earn college Credit. research schools, DEGREES & careers. Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College
Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers. (n.d.). https://study.com/academy/lesson/who-is-plato-philosophies-ideas-
contributions.html#:~:text=The%20mind%20is%20the%20sense,reason%2C%20emotion%2C%20and%20desire.
3
Steph. (2021, July 18). Aristotle's concept of the self - understanding the self. PHILO.
https://philonotes.com/index.php/2020/09/14/aristotles-concept-of-the-self/.