Plato, Cratylus, section 400b

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[400b]

Socrates
Then there would be an admirable fitness in calling that power which carries and holds (ἔχει) nature (φύσιν) φυσέχη and this may be refined and pronounced ψυχή.

Hermogenes
Certainly; and I think this is a more scientific explanation than the other.

Socrates
Yes, it is. But it seems actually absurd that the name was given with such truth.

Hermogenes
Now what shall we say about the next word?

Socrates
You mean “body” (σῶμα)?

Hermogenes
Yes.

Socrates
I think this admits of many explanations, if a little, even very little, change is made; for some say it is the tomb (σῆμα) of the soul,

Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vol. 12 translated by Harold N. Fowler. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1921.

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