The Platonic Conception of Immortality and its Connexion with the Theory of Ideas

Originally published in 1904, this book examines the connection between two of Plato's most famous theories, the Theory of Ideas and the Theory of the Immortality of the Soul, and assesses the development of Plato's thinking concerning the nature of the soul and its connection to the body. Gaye looks at pre-Platonic views on immortality and the place of immortality in Plato's overall philosophical structure. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in Platonic philosophy.

Preface; Introduction; 1. Pre-Platonic views of immortality; 2. The Symposium; 3. The Phaedrus; 4. The Republic; 5. The Phaedo; 6. Immortality and the earlier theory of ideas; 7. Changes in Plato's doctrine; 8. The Timaeus; 9. The Laws; 10. Immortality and the later Platonism; 11. The degeneration of souls; 12. The place of immortality in Plato's philosophy; Conclusion.