399
Socrates. To speak on the spur of the moment, I think those who gave the soul its name had something of this sort in mind: they thought when it was present in the body it was the cause of its living, giving it the power to breathe and reviving it (ἀναψῦχον), and when this revivifying force fails, the body perishes and comes to an end therefore, I think, they called it ψυχή. But—please keep still a moment. I fancy I see something which will carry more conviction to Euthyphro and his followers; for I think they would despise this attempt and would consider it cheap talk. Now see if you like the new one.
400
Hermogenes. I am listening.
400
Socrates. Do you think there is anything which holds and carries the whole nature of the body, so that it lives and moves, except the soul?
400
Hermogenes. No; nothing.
400
Socrates. Well, and do you not believe the doctrine of Anaxagoras, that it is mind or soul which orders and holds the nature of all things?
400
Hermogenes. I do.
400
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.
400
Hermogenes. Certainly; and I think this is a more scientific explanation than the other.
400
Socrates. Yes, it is. But it seems actually absurd that the name was given with such truth.
400
Hermogenes. Now what shall we say about the next word?
400
Socrates. You mean body (σῶμα)?
400
Hermogenes. Yes.