What is Platonism in Philosophy

Platonism is a philosophical current that is based on the ideas and teachings of the Greek philosopher Plato. He was one of Socrates' disciples and is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the history of Western philosophy. Platonism covers a wide range of topics, including the theory of ideas, the nature of reality, ethics, politics, and epistemology. In this glossary, we will explore in detail what Platonism is in philosophy.

Plato's ideas

One of the main characteristics of Platonism is the belief that the material world is just an imperfect copy of perfect and eternal ideas. According to Plato, ideas are immutable and universal forms that exist independently of the human mind. They are the true reality and the sensible world is just a shadow or reflection of the ideas. For example, the chair we see in the sentient world is just an imperfect copy of the perfect idea of ​​a chair.

The theory of ideas

The theory of ideas is one of the central concepts of Platonism. According to Plato, ideas are immaterial and eternal entities that exist in a world separate from the sensible world. They are perfect and immutable, unlike material things that are subject to change and imperfections. Ideas are true reality and true knowledge is knowledge of ideas. Plato believed that the human soul is capable of knowing ideas through reason.

The allegory of the cave

One of Plato's most famous allegories is the allegory of the cave. In this allegory, Plato describes a group of people who have lived chained in a cave since birth. They can only see the shadows cast on the cave wall, which are just reflections of the real things outside the cave. Plato uses this allegory to illustrate the difference between sensible reality and the reality of ideas. The people chained in the cave represent those who are trapped in ignorance and only know sensible reality, while those who manage to leave the cave and contemplate the sunlight represent those who achieve knowledge of ideas.

The nature of the soul

Plato also developed a theory about the nature of the soul. According to him, the soul is immortal and pre-exists the body. It exists in a world of ideas before being imprisoned in the human body. The soul is the immaterial and rational part of the human being, capable of knowing ideas and seeking wisdom. Plato believed that the soul goes through a process of reincarnation, where it is constantly reincarnated in different bodies until it achieves purification and union with ideas.

Platonic ethics

Platonic ethics is based on the idea that the goal of human life is to pursue virtue and wisdom. Plato believed that virtue is the knowledge of ideas and that wisdom is the path to achieving happiness and fulfillment. He argued that justice is the main virtue and that the ideal society is one in which each individual plays the role for which he is most suited, according to his abilities and talents. Plato also emphasized the importance of education in the moral and intellectual formation of individuals.

Platonic politics

Plato also developed a political theory in his work “The Republic”. He proposed the creation of an ideal society, governed by philosopher-kings who have knowledge of ideas and are capable of governing wisely. Plato believed that the ideal society is one in which each individual plays the role for which he or she is best suited, according to his or her abilities and talents. He defended gender equality and the community of goods as a way to eliminate conflicts and social inequalities.

Platonic epistemology

Epistemology is the study of knowledge and Plato also developed a theory on this topic. According to him, true knowledge is the knowledge of ideas, which are eternal and immutable. Plato believed that knowledge is acquired through reason and that sensible experience is just an opinion, subject to errors and illusions. He argued that true education is the education of the soul, which consists of awakening knowledge of the ideas that the soul already possesses.

The influence of Platonism

Platonism had a significant influence on the history of philosophy and remains an important philosophical current today. Many later philosophers were influenced by Plato's ideas, including Aristotle, Plotinus, and Saint Augustine. Platonism also had an impact on the areas of art, literature and religion. For example, the idea that the sensible world is just an imperfect copy of perfect ideas influenced the Renaissance artistic movement, which sought to imitate the perfection of ideal forms.

Criticisms of Platonism

Platonism has also received criticism throughout history. Some philosophers have argued that the theory of ideas is too abstract and has no basis in concrete reality. Others have questioned the idea that true knowledge is only the knowledge of ideas, arguing that knowledge can also be acquired through sense experience. Additionally, Platonism has been criticized for its hierarchical view of society, which can lead to oppression and inequality.

Conclusion

In short, Platonism is a philosophical current that is based on Plato's ideas and teachings. It covers a wide range of topics, including the theory of ideas, the nature of reality, ethics, politics, and epistemology. Platonism had a significant influence on the history of philosophy and remains an important philosophical current today. Although it has received criticism throughout history, Platonism is still studied and discussed by philosophers and scholars around the world.