A paper on perfect forms would never be complete without a discussion concerning the Soul, since the Soul is the only thing that can comprehend such Perfect forms. So here I will attempt to link between both, as has been attempted by Socrates.
Socrates believes that by dying and facing death without fear he is going to a better place and shouldn't be miserable since he will "proceed to other wise and good gods", and he expects to "join the company of good men." Since he lived a very humble life and had great hopes for a better afterlife.Also he argues a great deal with his friends in the Phaedo dialogue concerning the afterlife, which results in them discussing the Soul and its immortality and how all this links to perfect Forms.
Socrates, when discussing the Soul, gives a very similar theory to that believed by the Hindus, namely "Reincarnation".
English: The School of Athens (detail). Fresco, St...
Socrates Carnelian Gem Imprint Rome, 1stBCE1stCE.
Socrates-1-He believes that the Soul travels from one body to the next, until it reaches the level of purity which would ultimately lead it to the heavens (nirvana), or until reaching a level of wickedness that would lead it an eternal punishement in the bowels of the Earth, in the plains of Tartarus. It is interesting to note that this theory is unique in that it mingles between an afterlife and reincarnation. Yet Socrates does not explain where he received the knowledge concerning the final dwelling of the Soul and cannot prove any of it, since he hasn't died and come back to tell the tale. Interestingly it sounds a lot like something Homer would sing about. So even a great mind like that of Socrates could not totally escape from the religious beliefs of his people and their Mythology which I believe were utterly hilarious,