The main argument of the Phaedo for the Theory of Recollection and the Immortality of the Soul (73c-75c)

1. Our ability to judge objects of experience whether they are more or less perfect *presupposes* that we already have the concepts of perfect objects in our minds.

Therefore,

2. we cannot gain these concepts of perfect objects from any experience, but had to have them before all experiences.

Therefore,

3. since our experiences began with our birth, we had to have these concepts before birth.

Therefore,

4. a priori knowledge, which is based on our having these concepts, is prenatal. (Theory of Recollection)

Therefore,

5. our soul had to have these concepts before birth, so it had to exist before birth.

Therefore,

6. the soul is capable of existing without the body, and so it is immortal.

OK, suppose you reject premises 1 or 2 on the basis of modern psychology. Does it follow that Plato's theory is false?

Furthermore, does it follow that materialism (expressed by Plato in terms of the harmony-analogy, 85e-86d) is true?

How do you think modern psychology could handle Plato's main objections to materialism?

These main objections to materialism (in case you are wondering) are the following:

1. Understanding, reasoning, etc. that is, intellectual functions in general, cannot be reduced to brain-functions, especially if the theory of recollection is right. 91e-92b

2. The operations of our free will cannot be explained in terms of materialist psychology. If we are just highly organized matter, then the laws of our behavior are the laws of physics. But if this is the case, then can we be held to be responsible for our actions any more than a falling body can for its action? 94b-95