Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Philosophy
Advisor/Mentor
Ashley Attwood
Committee Member
Christianne Corbett
Second Committee Member
Jenna Donohue
Abstract
This thesis examines ensoulment, or how and when the soul becomes associated with the body. Through an analysis of Plato, Aristotle, Lucretius, and Descartes, it argues that theories of ensoulment depend on deeper metaphysical commitments concerning embodiment and personal identity. Although dualist theories preserve identity through an immaterial soul, they struggle to explain its union with a particular body. Naturalistic theories better account for biological development but raise questions about identity’s persistence. Drawing on Aristotle and theories of psychological continuity, this thesis argues that ensoulment is best understood as a gradual process arising through biological organization, while personal identity persists through the continuity of memory, experience, and character.
Keywords
philosophy; soul; ensoulment; Aristotle; Plato; metaphysical
Citation
Payne, L. K. (2026). From Form to Flesh: Reconsidering the Soul’s Integration in Ancient Greek and Contemporary Thought. Philosophy Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/philuht/9
