Individual Ethics in Plato’s Philosophy: Through the Virtues of the Human Soul and the Idea of the Supreme Good

Abstract

This study aims to examine Plato’s ethical conception through the notions of the virtues of the human soul and the idea of the Supreme Good, both of which form key components of his moral philosophy. The research is based on the premise that, despite Plato’s apparent focus on the ideal state in his dialogue The Republic, his deeper concern lies in the moral refinement of the individual and the internal harmony of the soul. It explores the tripartite structure of the soul—reason, spirit, and appetite—each associated with a specific virtue: wisdom, courage, and temperance, respectively, with justice emerging as the harmony among them. Employing both critical-analytical and historical-descriptive methods, the study analyzes Plato’s major dialogues and concludes that the Supreme Good represents the ultimate aim of ethical action, attainable through philosophical contemplation and asceticism. This highlights the deep interconnection between Plato’s theory of the soul and his theory of moral values.