Humanities and Arts

The Status of Souls as Hupokeimena in Aristotle

Abstract

Key Questions

What is Aristotle’s view on the soul’s role in perception and thought?

Aristotle sees the soul as a foundational form that enables bodily perception and thought but does not itself perform mental activities.

How does Aristotle's concept of hupokeimenon relate to the soul?

Aristotle considers the soul a hupokeimenon, or underlying principle, which supports life and mental functions but does not act independently as a conscious entity.