Definition: Refers to the inseparable union of body and soul.
Materialization vs. Incarnation: Not just about spirit being materialized.
Human Person: Convergence of material (body) and spiritual (soul) entities.
Importance of Understanding the Embodied Spirit
Self-Understanding: Knowing potentials and limitations.
Unique Creature: Recognizing the union of body and soul.
Theoretical Context: Aristotle and Plato
Plato's View
Metaphysical Dichotomy: Body vs. Soul
Body: Material, mutable, destructible.
Soul: Immaterial, immutable, indestructible.
Body dependent on soul; soul independent of body.
Soul exists prior to the body.
Three Parts of the Soul:
Rational Soul: Located in the head; guides other parts.
Spiritual Soul: Located in the chest; associated with emotions.
Appetitive Soul: Located in the abdomen; drives physical wants.
Myth of the Charioteer: Analogy for the soul's nature.
Conflict Example: Thirsty man deciding not to drink polluted water; rational soul guides actions.
Aristotle's Critique of Plato
Unity of Body and Soul: Opposes Plato's dualism.
Soul Definition: Translated from Greek "psyche"; principle of life.
Inseparability: Body and soul constitute the human person as a whole.
Levels of Soul According to Aristotle
Vegetative Soul (Plants): Capable of growth, reproduction, feeding.
Sensitive Soul (Animals): Adds sensation to vegetative abilities.
Rational Soul (Humans): Capable of thinking; highest level.
Summary of Aristotle's View
Human as Rational Animal: Humans possess characteristics of both vegetative and sensitive souls, plus rationality.
Final Thought: "Man is a rational animal."
Conclusion
Understanding the human person as an embodied spirit provides a framework to discuss the relationship between body and soul, distinguishing Aristotle’s views from those of Plato.