This leads to a classification of the parts of the soul.

The first distribution is, into Rational and Irrational; whether these two are separable in fact, or only logically separable (like concave and convex), is immaterial to the present enquiry.

Of the irrational, the lowest portion is the Vegetative [Greek: phytikon], which seems most active in sleep; a state where bad men and good are on a par, and which is incapable of any human excellence.

The next portion is the Appetitive [Greek: epithymaetikon], which is not thus incapable.

It partakes of reason, yet it includes something conflicting with reason.