The dialogues of Plato in five volumes, Vol. 2 (of 5) : $b Translated into English with analyses and introductions — Plato — John Shaqi
The dialogues of Plato in five volumes, Vol. 2 (of 5) : $b Translated into English with analyses and introductions
Plato · en
The Platonic doctrine of reminiscence is then adduced as a
confirmation of the pre-existence of the soul. Some proofs of
this doctrine are demanded. One proof given is the same as that 73
of the Meno (82 foll.), and is derived from the latent knowledge of
mathematics, which may be elicited from an unlearned person
when a diagram is presented to him. Again, there is a power of
association, which from seeing Simmias may remember Cebes, or
from seeing a picture of Simmias may remember Simmias. The 74
lyre may recall the player of the lyre, and equal pieces of wood
or stone may be associated with the higher notion of absolute
equality. But here observe that material equalities fall short of
the conception of absolute equality with which they are compared,
and which is the measure of them. And the measure or
standard must be prior to that which is measured, the idea of 75
equality prior to the visible equals. And if prior to them, then
prior also to the perceptions of the senses which recall them, and
therefore either given before birth or at birth. But all men have 76
not this knowledge, nor have any without a process of reminiscence;
which is a proof that it is not innate or given at birth,
unless indeed it was given and taken away at the same instant.
But if not given to men in birth, it must have been given before
birth—this is the only alternative which remains. And if we had
ideas in a former state, then our souls must have existed and
must have had intelligence in a former state. The pre-existence 77
of the soul stands or falls with the doctrine of ideas.