Journal Entry # 1: PLATO'S 3 ELEMENTS OF THE PSYCHE

Plato's Allegory of the Chariot representing the 3 elements of the psyche

As seen on the image, there is a charioteer guiding two horses - black and white. Representing the appetitive is the black horse; all things that give us physical satisfaction, fulfillment of our desires, and pleasure go under here. On the other hand, the spirited, as depicted by the white horse, fights back at the appetitive so things could no go out of hand; it controls the appetitive. The charioteer represents the mind - the most superior of the three. Its role is to moderate the affairs between the appetitive and spirited. Remember that the appetitive and spirited should not overpower each other; too much of everything really is pretty bad. 

The Three Elements' Roles in my Personal Struggle

I would like to share with you a personal struggle I once had and how Plato's Three Elements of the Psyche played their roles. 

It happened years ago during my Junior High School years. Classes just ended and while preparing to go home, I received a text message from my mom, saying that she's not feeling well and there is no one in the house but her. Consequently, my friends were planning on going to a new milktea house just steps away from the school. They were convincing me to join them and have fun. I felt troubled for I don't know how I will respond. 

Its Appetitive, Spirited, and Mind

The appetitive was the urge to have fun with your friends; the longing for happiness and enjoyment. These give all of us physical satisfaction indeed. 

 The spirited was the emotion I felt the moment I learned that my mom was sick and she needed me. It's like telling me to "go home for your mom needs you urgently!" 

 

The mind served as the moderator between the two. It acknowledged the fact that I had to choose between the two since I cannot cut myself into two just to satisfy both sides. Therefore, the mind decided to give the reigns to the spirited - to go home immediately to see my mom.

How I Resolved It

 It turned out to be a wise decision and the problem was resolved because I told them to set another day for visiting that place if they want me to come with them for my mom needed me more than they do - and they agreed. I was able to satisfy both sides through that decision thanks to the three elements of the psyche!

How I Better Understood Myself

From that experience, I understood that I am a human with desires, emotions, and knowledge which affect the way I behave or act. I have deeply examined myself and I have understood that my desires, emotions, and knowledge contribute to the way I behave or act. It is a unique experience which helped me realize that I have strengths and weaknesses, thus, I need to find the right way to act or behave. By knowing how Plato's three elements of the soul work, one can attain understanding of the self.

My desire for happiness and fun, the emotion I felt for my mom, and the knowledge I have for what I know is more important have contributed to the way I responded to the situation. These 3 elements of the psyche helped me find a resolution to this struggle.