Philosophy ETDs

Publication Date

7-5-2012

Abstract

My dissertation argues that Plato has a concept of individual metaphysical freedom, making him a key figure in the emergence of the free will debate in the history of Western philosophy. A philosophy of freedom can be seen throughout his works, particularly in the Republic, the Laws, and the Phaedrus. I show that underlying Platonic moral psychology is the notion that an individual is free if her reasoning element rules her soul in line with the Good. This makes Platonic freedom a thoroughly ethical concept. In my first chapter, I examine Platos critique of three competing notions of freedom drawn from conventional notions of virtue, democracy, and tyranny. Plato's own notion of freedom emerges from his criticisms of these alternative definitions of freedom. He redefines freedom from a conception of unconstrained choice towards a notion of reasoned choice in line with virtue. Thus, Platonic freedom is a normative concept. My next chapter provides a detailed analysis of Platonic freedom by examining its metaphysical foundation as described in the Republic. This work reveals the philosopher as the authentically free person. The myth of Er engages notions of freedom, responsibility and choice. In this myth, Plato emphasizes individual responsibility even in cases of diminished psychological freedom. The myth of the Cave underscores the idea that philosophical freedom is not liberty to pursue desires uninhibited. Rather, freedom is the ability to pursue reason's desires as informed by the Good. My final chapter examines the concept of freedom within the tripartite psychology. The Phaedrus myth provides further detail about the interaction between the parts of the soul and the struggle for freedom. It emphasizes the natural position of reason as ruler of the soul. The image of the golden cord in the Laws outlines the soul's ideal relationship to reason. The freedom of the philosopher is moderate, self-controlled, and predictable.

Degree Name

Philosophy

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Philosophy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Livingston, Paul

Second Committee Member

Garcia, Lorenzo

Third Committee Member

Goodman, Russell

Fourth Committee Member

Burgess, Andrew

Fifth Committee Member

Smith, Warren

Language

English

Keywords

Free will and determinism, Ethics, Plato

Document Type

Dissertation

Download

Share

COinS