Theory of Forms Essay Example

as the roundness of the round form. Additionally, forms are considered archetypes or perfect models for the properties present in the material world, serving as blueprints for perfection.

Forms are inherently flawless and the fundamental basis of existence. They constitute the root cause for all things and encompass the essence of what makes something a particular kind of entity. Forms are integrally linked in an organized manner. The properties of forms can be comprehended by examining a round red basketball as an example. The first two characteristics delineate the form's distinctiveness from tangible objects.

According to the concept of transcendence, forms are not restricted to any particular place or time. In contrast, material objects such as basketballs are bound to exist in a specific location and era. The significance of this disparity lies in the fact that forms, for instance roundness, are immutable as they do not exist within the confines of time.

The constant nature of roundness allows for its simultaneous instantiation in multiple locations as it does not occupy physical space. The destruction of all spherical objects does not affect the existence of roundness. Likewise, the forms are pure.

In essence, pure properties exist independently from all other properties. For instance, a basketball has numerous properties such as being round, a ball, and red. These properties combine to create a unique basketball. One of these properties is form, which exists by itself regardless of space and time. Pure roundness is a property that exists solely and is not mixed in with any other properties.

In essence, the distinction between forms and material objects lies in their transcendent purity versus the complex, spatiotemporal property makeup

of the latter. Further properties of forms are elucidated by their interactions with material objects, serving as archetypal or ideal models for all properties expressed by such objects. Ultimately, the material world corresponds to the realm of forms.

The ideal shape of roundness serves as the ultimate example for all round objects. These material objects are simply replicas of the ideal shape, therefore acting as the source for all that exists in the world. The ideal shapes act as a causa in two ways.

Both epistemology and ontology are impacted by forms, as they are the root of our understanding of all objects and knowledge about them. Our ability to comprehend something is limited to the form or order it possesses. Additionally, forms serve as the source of all objects' existence.

According to Plato, in order for something to be considered existent, it must possess some level of organization or structure. Additionally, these structures are interconnected and linked to material objects in a complex system that mirrors the descent from the form of the good and the ascent to knowledge of said forms. To illustrate this concept, Plato employs two allegories.

In his works, Plato presents the allegories of divided line and cave. The former places the knowledge of forms at the highest point and sensual experience at the lowest point on a vertical line. On the other hand, the latter explores how human beings are bound by sensory experiences and how true liberation is attained only through knowledge of the form of good. The allegory of divided line presents two worlds - the sensible and intelligible - positioned on a line that is bisected in the

middle.

The line is split into two parts: the lower section represents the visible world, and the upper part represents the intelligible world. Each half of the line corresponds to a specific kind of knowledge. The lower portion of the visible world is divided into "illusion," which consists of things like shadows, reflections, paintings, and poetry; and "belief," which pertains to knowledge about changeable entities such as individual round reed basket balls. The upper region of the line can be further divided into "reason" and "intelligence." Reason involves understanding forms such as mathematics but requires accepting some postulates without question. Intelligence involves comprehending higher categories of abstract concepts and grasping ultimate good.

The Allegory of the Cave portrays prisoners who have been chained since childhood deep inside a cave, where their limbs and heads are immobilized by the chains, fixating their gaze on a wall. Beyond them lies an enormous fire, with a raised walkway in between, upon which various shapes of animals, plants, and other things are transported, casting shadows on the wall. The prisoners observe these shadows and interpret them as reality since they believe that any sounds echoing against the wall come from the shadows.

The prisoners perceive the passing shapes as their only reality, despite seeing only shadow images. They evaluate their fellow inmates based on how quickly they can name the shapes and disdain those who perform poorly, while we view it as a game. If a prisoner were released and forced to stand and pivot, it would be an adjustment from their daily routine due to conditioning.

When inside the cave, the person's vision is limited by the fiery

light and they cannot differentiate between passing shapes and their shadows. Upon exiting into the sunlight, their eyes are initially impaired and they are unable to see. Over time, they begin to discern darker forms like shadows before progressing to brighter objects. Ultimately, they can perceive the sun and comprehend its role in seasonal changes and observable events.

Plato's allegory suggests that the prisoner, once enlightened, would be motivated to return to the cave and free their fellow prisoners. However, there are potential issues with this plan as those still in the cave may not desire release. Furthermore, upon returning to the dark environment of the cave, it may take time for the freed prisoner's eyes to adjust and identify shapes on the wall again. This could lead others to believe that their trip above ground has harmed their vision. Overall, Plato emphasizes that his theories revolve around recognizing reality in our world.

Plato believed that the world perceived through our senses is often deceptive, indicating that what we see may not actually be real physical objects. Therefore, it can be assumed that the objects we perceive are subjective mental images and perspectives of reality rather than tangible physical entities. This raises questions about the definition of a "genuine" object if it cannot exist as a subjective image that we perceive.

Even though objects like chairs, tables, rocks, and trees are more objective than our subjective perceptions of them, they can still be misleading because we only experience them through subjective images that change with different properties and existence. Therefore, the only genuine level at which things exist is in their individual properties separated from specific

objects.

These are forms. According to the argument from Mathematics, the knowledge of mathematics is not derived from sense perception and is considered the most certain knowledge we possess. The certainty of certain truths like 2+2=4 indicates that objects present in mathematics must exist in some form of reality. Since they do not exist in the material world, it suggests the existence of another realm called the world of forms. Plato's theory of forms includes three main points: 1) Everything represents physical manifestations of forms, 2) Knowledge pertains exclusively to knowledge of forms while beliefs relate to the material world, and 3) The highest form corresponds to good.

Plato is considered an exceptional philosopher from ancient times due to his sincere efforts in seeking the truth through his philosophical writings. He was the first to address the matter of change in the world and strove to resolve two critical dilemmas - how humans can lead a content, fulfilling life amidst an ever-changing world, and the issue of permanence versus change. To achieve this, he classified realms into two distinct categories: the material world and the realm of forms.

Despite certain objections to Plato’s theory of forms, it cannot be completely disregarded. One positive aspect of this theory is the enduring relevance of Plato’s allegory of the cave. Across generations since its inception, the allegory continues to intrigue and inspire us with its timeless message. It speaks to the universal human struggle to awaken from a state of ignorance and see the true nature of reality. The cave represents our own blindness and ignorance, while the journey toward enlightenment represents our need to be reborn into

a life of morality and truth. Additionally, the allegory can be interpreted as a religious statement on Christian conversion and devotion to God’s truth.

Many people experience limitations caused by external factors like mass media, press outlets, and religious institutions. These entities can restrict individuals from uncovering the truth for their own personal benefit. Frequently, individuals prefer to conform with the majority rather than face the unease that accompanies learning new information.

Although it may appear foolish to leave our loved ones, once we break free and uncover the truth, we feel a strong urge to assist others. Plato maintained that heavenly forms existed and that when people die, their souls are reunited with these forms.

According to Plato, souls come from the platonic heaven and go there after death. Christian theology is influenced by Plato’s philosophy, as both believe that God is the ultimate good and that humans are created in God's image. Plato also describes the concept of the Good as an absolute source of intelligibility, truth, and value for all other forms.

Plato’s concept of the form of Good served as the basis for the moral purpose of the world, paving the way for the Christian God. Similar to the Christian God, the form of Good represents the ultimate truth, highest value, and origin of all other values. St. Augustine, a renowned Christian philosopher, integrated Plato’s philosophy with Christianity, earning him the nickname “platonizer of Christianity” and resulting in his greatest philosophies.

Plato’s argument against ethical relativism is still relevant today. Ethical relativists believe that universal standards for ethical values do not exist, and therefore no society can be deemed superior or inferior to another based

on their performance. While this perspective is often praised for its acceptance of diverse cultures, it also means that even the actions of the Nazis cannot be judged. Plato criticized the Sophists 2000 years ago for subscribing to this cultural and ethical relativism, instead suggesting that human beings share universal ethical standards.

Plato establishes lofty expectations for humanity, believing that all virtues are universal and therefore applicable to all people and cultures. Despite objections to his theory of forms, his philosophy is mirrored in Hindu ideology which refers to "Maya" as an illusion. According to Hindu philosophy, the material world and all that is perceived within it are illusory and subject to impermanence.

The idea of constantly changing things renders the material world flawed and unlivable, promoting a pessimistic view of it. Plato's belief in unattainable perfect forms that exist independently, and imperfection in worldly objects, is too idealistic for regular people. We have intangible concepts such as math terms like triangles and circles that exist only in our minds, but Plato makes them their own entities.

Plato's theory of recollection is subject to debate, as he suggests that we can remember mathematical concepts without any instruction, implying that our souls already possessed this knowledge from the Platonic heaven. However, our experiences indicate that we can only know mathematical concepts through firsthand experience. For instance, a child only learns that 2+2=4 after seeing two apples in one hand and two in the other.

Plato placed painting, sculptures, and poetry at the lowest level in his allegory of the divided line due to his distrust of image-based forms of communication. Plato was concerned that people's emotions and beliefs

could easily be swayed and controlled by persuasive imagery. Despite this, it is possible for art forms such as poetry to convey deep truths. The theory of forms proposed by Plato fails to address the issues it intended to resolve.

One of Aristotle's pupils contested Plato's theory of forms, which posits that material objects take part in or mimic the forms. This relationship to the realm of forms is what makes material objects comprehensible and orderly, but the nature of this participation and imitation cannot be explained. Plato contends that forms can exist independently, but it is unclear whether attributes like whiteness can exist without a white object.

The notion of perfect forms resulted in idealism, which is evident in Hegel's philosophy of absolute idealism. Both Plato and Hegel argue that what is real is the rational, the concept, and the idea. Plato's emphasis on metaphysical concepts such as form to define justice, truth, love, and goodness seems to diminish the importance of material and sensory aspects of human existence, reducing humans to mere essences.

The Platonic idea of form is opposite to the viewpoint of existentialists like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche. For them, existence takes priority over any forms or essence, with a focus on individual consciousness. This approach appears relevant to contemporary issues. Aristotle's concept of matter and form is considered more reasonable than Plato's, as he separates objects into these two components.

Every object is made up of matter and form. The matter is the material that object is comprised of, while the form is the way in which it is arranged. For instance, a child playing with building blocks can use the same blocks

to construct a wall, and then destroy it and build a house.

Contemporary philosophers widely accept that despite being made of the same blocks, the house and wall differ in their arrangement of material which results in distinct forms and matter.

In conclusion, Plato's theory of forms aimed to address two issues: ethical and the problem of change. He successfully refuted the arguments presented by the Sophists during his time. However, his student Aristotle presented a counter viewpoint with his dualism theory. Nonetheless, throughout history, Plato's theory of forms remains prominent in philosophy.