PLATÃO e a TEORIA DAS FORMAS (ou das Ideias) | História da Filosofia

Summary

This transcript delves into Plato's theory, where he contrasts his views with the relativism of sophists. Plato asserts the existence of a stable, immutable world of Forms, in opposition to the ever-changing, sensory world. Knowledge, for Plato, can only be attained in the intelligible realm, not through sensory experience. Mathematics plays a vital role in preparing the mind for philosophy, as it engages with abstract concepts. Ultimately, Plato believes the pursuit of knowledge requires transcending the material world and accessing the world of Forms through intellectual intuition, a process called 'dialectic ascent.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Plato develops his theory in contrast to the sophistic relativism, which argues that everything is mutable and transient.
• 😀 Plato asserts that true knowledge is only possible in a world that is immutable and absolute, accessible through the intellect.
• 😀 Plato divides reality into two realms: the sensible world, which is constantly changing, and the intelligible world, which is unchanging and can be known.
• 😀 In the sensible world, we can only form opinions, as everything changes and nothing can be known in an absolute sense.
• 😀 The intelligible world is where true knowledge resides, as it consists of unchanging, eternal entities that we can understand through intellectual reasoning.
• 😀 The sensible world is further divided into shadows (reflections) and concrete objects, both of which are impermanent and subject to change.
• 😀 Plato emphasizes that mathematical knowledge is a preparation for philosophy, as mathematics deals with abstract, non-sensible concepts.
• 😀 While mathematics is abstract, it is still based on linguistic and visual representations, which are rooted in the sensible world.
• 😀 The true reality of mathematical objects exists independently of our perceptions, and their existence is not dependent on human minds.
• 😀 Plato introduces the concept of forms or ideas, which are completely intelligible and can only be grasped through intellectual intuition, not through sensory perception.
• 😀 According to Plato, the human soul has previously encountered the world of forms, which is why we can come to understand them through intellectual effort.

Q & A

What is Plato's stance on relativism, and how does he oppose it?

Plato rejects relativism, which claims that everything is mutable and transient. Instead, he argues for a theory of an unchanging, absolute world where true knowledge can be established, opposing the idea that everything in the world is subject to change.

What distinction does Plato make between the sensible and intelligible worlds?

Plato divides reality into two realms: the sensible world, which is accessible through the five senses and is characterized by change and impermanence, and the intelligible world, which is accessible through reason and intellect, where true knowledge about unchanging entities can be found.

Why does Plato claim we can only have opinions about the sensible world?

In the sensible world, everything is in a constant state of flux, so we cannot have definitive, true knowledge. Instead, we can only form opinions based on our perceptions, as nothing remains the same long enough to establish true knowledge.

How does Plato explain the connection between the state of the soul and how reality is perceived?

Plato suggests that each state of the soul corresponds to a mode of accessing reality. In the sensible world, the soul is in a state where it can only form opinions, while in the intelligible world, the soul can access true knowledge.

What role does mathematics play in Plato's philosophy?

Plato views mathematics as a preparation for philosophy. It is a form of knowledge that is abstract and not dependent on sensory perception, helping to train the mind for understanding higher philosophical concepts.

Why does Plato consider mathematical objects distinct from their representations?

Mathematical objects, such as numbers, exist independently of their representations. A drawing or symbol is merely a representation of a mathematical concept, not the concept itself. Plato argues that mathematical objects exist in a timeless, non-sensible realm.

What does Plato mean by the 'forms' or 'ideas'?

The forms, or ideas, in Plato’s philosophy are perfect, immutable, and non-sensible realities that exist in the intelligible realm. These forms are the true essence of things, and everything in the sensible world is just a reflection or imperfect copy of these forms.

What is the role of 'dialectic ascension' in Plato's philosophy?

Dialectic ascension refers to the process of moving from lower levels of understanding (such as opinions about the sensible world) to higher levels of intellectual insight (such as the knowledge of the forms) through reasoning and philosophical inquiry.

How does Plato argue that knowledge can only be of the immutable?

Plato asserts that true knowledge must pertain to things that do not change, such as the forms. Knowledge that is based on changing, sensible things cannot be considered true knowledge, which is why opinions and beliefs are unreliable.

Why does Plato believe that the soul has encountered the world of forms before?

Plato believes that the soul is eternal and has prior knowledge of the world of forms. This prior encounter with the forms allows the soul to recognize and understand them through intellectual intuition when it returns to the world of knowledge.