Since ancient times, the knowledge of the human soul and its nature, the issues of life and death, as well as immortality, have been the main ones in the knowledge of oneself and nature. Philosophers around the world in different eras have tried to unravel the mystery of life after death. All these thoughts have changed under the influence of social development and religious beliefs, however, such a concept as the transmigration of the soul can be seen in many philosophical currents.
Definition of metempsychosis in philosophy
This concept appeared in ancient times, and then developed in our era. Metempsychosis is the process of moving the soul into another body. In other words, it is the process of reincarnation.
It is worth noting that different ancient philosophers had different views on this phenomenon. For example, Heraclitus and his followers speak of a special hierarchy, according to which the soul of a person can ascend or descend, depending on the deeds he performs in this life. Philosophers have often given a clear structure to this process and argued that for goodaffairs in the next life, the soul will be allowed to move into the body of a higher being or person in more favorable conditions for life. For bad deeds, on the contrary, a person can be imprisoned in the body of an animal.
Pythagoras, in turn, perceived metempsychosis, rather, as a legend, a mythical fiction, but highly appreciated it for the function of moral control that this phenomenon performs. In his opinion, a person who believes in the transmigration of the soul will not succumb to the temptation to lead an unrighteous lifestyle.
According to other philosophical currents, metempsychosis is a chaotic movement of the soul into a "random" body. In this case, we are talking about supporters of indeterminism, who, in their reflections, come to conclusions about the randomness of any phenomena.
Transmigration of the soul from the point of view of religion
Metempsychosis is a very common concept in many religions. Very often, it is religious influence that determines philosophical views.
Eastern religions and beliefs more than others thought out and systematized the process of resettlement. As in the philosophy of Heraclitus, in this case there is a clear "ladder", a kind of hierarchy, a place in which is obtained by good deeds in the current life. Also in this group of religions, it is generally accepted that for righteous behavior already in this life, you can remember past experience. However, this is achieved through complete enlightenment.
American, and in particular Indian, beliefs also speak of resettlement. In this case, the highestthe reward for a person is the resettlement in the body of a totemic patron animal. Also, in some tribes, migration occurs only within the clan, and a person who has left the family no longer has the opportunity to be reborn.
Traces of metempsychosis can also be found in some interpretations of Islam. However, in this case, the resettlement will occur only on the Day of Judgment, when Allah will create new bodies for each soul.
Evidence for metempsychosis
Today, this phenomenon seems more mythical than real. However, for many parapsychologists and researchers of such phenomena, metempsychosis is a reality.
So, at the moment, a lot of studies have been collected, conducted by independent experts, recorded and analyzed, when a person has a possible recovery of memory of a past life. Most often, this manifests itself in the sudden ability to speak in a previously unfamiliar language, memories of people or places that a person has never seen. Such cases have been recorded around the world and are being carefully checked.
One of the most amazing ways to remember a past life is hypnosis. In this state, people often remember and tell what they do not remember in the normal state. Cases have been recorded when the stories of people in a hypnotic state were confirmed thanks to articles in newspapers, historical facts, one could even assume the former name of a person.
Conclusion
So we can say that metempsychosis is in philosophydefinition of the process of transmigration of the soul. This process is not recognized by many philosophers and scientists, but it also has supporters. Metempsychosis in philosophy is more of an instrument of moral influence and control, while in religion it is a real phenomenon regulated by higher forces. This is perhaps the strongest difference between the views of religion and philosophy on this issue.
No matter how ambiguous and unrealistic metempsychosis may seem to us, it is, however, a great way to regulate moral behavior and self-control.
