Reincarnation is the belief that the soul continues to exist after death through rebirth into a new body; thus, it serves as an explanation of where each individual life begins and ends. Although, the definition of reincarnation is rather universal, there are many variations to the actual process. Each culture or group often has unique theories about reincarnation. An excellent example of this can be found when comparing both the African and Platonic doctrines of reincarnation. Although, each group believes in reincarnation of the soul, there are noticeable differences between their philosophies. The African and Platonic doctrines are easily distinguished through their beliefs in the following: the overall purpose of reincarnation, the subjects that undergo reincarnation, the idea of retribution, the world-view of each, and their belief in transmigration. Through comparing these particular elements of each doctrine, the strengths and weaknesses of each are revealed, proving the African doctrine to be a more reasonable belief in the reincarnation of the soul.
             According to Africans, the purpose of reincarnating souls is to reach a natural end, an end in itself. After the soul leaves a body, at death, the life of that person with that particular soul has ended on this earth and entered into the world of the dead. Although the soul resides in the world of the dead, it is also reincarnated into another body. The idea that the soul exists in the land of the living and the dead simultaneously, if possible at all, is difficult to comprehend initially. The purpose of reincarnation in the Platonic doctrine is not an end in itself, like the African belief, but instead it is a means to another end. The main goal of life according to Plato is to live a virtuous life by practicing philosophy, which enables the soul to reach the "Isles of the Blessed." He believes that it is only here that one can attain true knowledge, thr...