On the Physical Aspect of Heraclitus' Psychology

The paper first discusses the metaphysical framework that allows the soul's integration into the physical world. A close examination of B36, supported by the comparative evidence of some other early theories of the soul, suggests that the word psuche could function as both a mass term and a count noun for Heraclitus. There is something in the world, alongside other physical elements, that manifests mental functions. Humans, and possibly other beings, show mental functions in so far as they have a portion of that stuff. Turning to the physical characterization of the soul, the paper argues that B36 is entirely consistent with the ancient testimonies that say that psuche for Heraclitus is exhalation. But exhalations cover all states of matter from the lowest moist part of atmospheric air to the fire of celestial bodies. If so, psuche for Heraclitus is both air and fire. The fact that psuche can manifest the whole range of physical properties along the dry-wet axis guarantees that souls can show different intellectual and ethical properties as well.(edited)