Imaging the Embodied Soul: Exploring the Transformative Potential of Images in Plato's Philosophy

Abstract

This thesis traces the concept of ‘image’ within ancient Greek thought, highlighting the evolution of ‘eidolōn’ from its origins as a supernatural apparition in Homer, through Empedocles' and Democritus’ interpretations as material and perceptual phenomena shaped by environmental and atomic interactions, respectively. These historical interpretations broaden the semantic range of ‘image,’ which Plato then extensively employs in his philosophy. Plato’s use of ‘image’ encompasses material representations, mental visualizations, and metaphorical language, reflecting a comprehensive utilization within his dialogues. This investigation aims to uncover why Plato integrated such a multifaceted concept of ‘image’ into his philosophy, particularly emphasizing its role in educating the soul towards ‘the Good.’ By examining how images function in various contexts within Plato’s dialogues, this thesis illustrates their transformative power as a profound force to participate within a spectators’ cognitive and ethical dimensions, revealing a path toward ‘the Good’ within the bounds of our embodied existence.