On the Soul

Key Concepts and Strategies

In «On the Soul», Aristotle explores the nature of the soul and its connection to the body. The main concepts include defining the soul as the form of a living body, making it inseparable from the body. Aristotle considers the soul as the principle of life, manifested in various functions such as nutrition, sensation, movement, and thinking. He identifies three types of souls: the vegetative, the animal, and the rational, each with its specific abilities. The vegetative soul is responsible for growth and nutrition, the animal for sensation and movement, and the rational for thinking and understanding. Aristotle also discusses perception and intellect, asserting that perception is linked to physical organs, while intellect is a more abstract capability. Aristotle's strategy involves using empirical observation and logical analysis to understand the nature of the soul and its functions.