An Analysis Of Three Types Of Happiness In Plato's Republic

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In Plato 's Republic, Plato argues that those with balanced souls, ruled by reason, are able to keep their unnecessary desires from becoming lawless and extreme. He also believes that human beings have three main parts to their psyche. These include desire (such as appetite), will, and reason. Plato believes that each of these can dominant at different levels in different people. In Book IX, 581c-e, he outlines his second and last arguments. Plato’s second argument distinguishes three types of persons, focusing on the one which is happiest; and his final argument is an analysis of pleasure.

Plato’s argument distinguishes three types of persons, and which of these persons would be the happiest. In the excerpt he begins by asking if the reader …show more content…

We see Plato solidifying his position on which of the souls three sections needs to be in control for a man to be just, and happy.. In the text it states “And what, said I, are we to suppose the philosopher thinks of the other pleasures compared with the delight of knowing the truth and the reality, and being always occupied with that while he learn?” Meaning, that Plato believes the man of reason and knowledge (such as a philosopher) is the happiest, and will remain as such as he continues to learn, as he understands the difference between the necessary and unnecessary pleasures in life, and will always be occupied with the “delight of knowing the truth and the reality" as Plato states within the text.

In conclusion, the excerpt from the text sees Plato explaining his belief that Reason must be the dominant part of the soul, to ensure a person is at their happiest. As the man of reason pertains not only the ability to understand, and find happiness from the other parts of his soul, but also the ability to keep the unnecessary desires from becoming lawless within his

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