Platonic theory is one of the main philosophical currents of classical antiquity, developed by the Greek philosopher Plato. In this theory, Plato seeks to understand the nature of the world and the existence of universal and eternal ideas. To this end, he proposes the existence of two distinct worlds: the sensitive world, which is the world that we perceive through our senses, and the world of ideas, which is the world of perfect and immutable forms.

The origin of Platonic theory

Platonic theory has its roots in the philosophical reflections of Socrates, Plato's teacher. Socrates believed that true knowledge could not be obtained through the senses, but rather through reason. He defended the existence of universal and immutable concepts, which would be the basis for knowledge.

Plato, in turn, developed and deepened his master's ideas, creating a more elaborate philosophical theory. He believed that the sensible world was just an imperfect copy of the world of ideas, which would be the true and eternal reality.

The sensitive world and the world of ideas

According to Platonic theory, the sensitive world is composed of concrete and changeable objects, which we perceive through our senses. These objects are just imperfect copies of the perfect, immutable ideas that exist in the world of ideas.

Ideas, in turn, are abstract and eternal entities, which cannot be perceived by the senses. They are the perfect and immutable forms of everything that exists in the sensitive world. For example, in the sensible world we can perceive several different chairs, but in the world of ideas there is the perfect and unchanging idea of ​​“chair”.

The theory of ideas

One of Plato's main contributions to philosophy is the theory of ideas. According to this theory, ideas are the true reality, while the sensible world is just an imperfect and changing copy of ideas.

Plato believed that ideas are eternal and unchanging, and that they are the basis for true knowledge. He argued that knowledge cannot be obtained through the senses, but rather through reason, which is capable of accessing the world of ideas.

The theory of knowledge

For Plato, true knowledge is that which is based on ideas. He believed that the human soul has prior knowledge of ideas, and that the learning process consists of remembering this knowledge.

According to Plato, the human soul existed before being born and had contact with ideas in the world of ideas. At birth, the soul forgets this knowledge, but can remember it through the learning process.

The theory of the soul

Plato also developed a theory of the soul, which is closely linked to his theory of ideas. According to Plato, the soul is immortal and has three parts: the rational part, the irascible part and the concupiscent part.

The rational part is responsible for thought and reason, and is capable of accessing the world of ideas. The irascible part is responsible for emotions and impulses, while the concupiscent part is responsible for desires and passions.

The theory of education

Plato believed that education is fundamental to the development of the soul and access to true knowledge. He argued that education should be aimed at character formation and the development of reason.

According to Plato, education must begin from childhood, and must be based on philosophy. He proposed an educational system in which young people would be separated from their families and educated by the State, with the aim of forming virtuous and wise citizens.

The influence of Platonic theory

Platonic theory has exerted a great influence throughout the history of philosophy. His ideas were taken up and reinterpreted by several philosophers over the centuries, and continue to be the subject of study and debate to this day.

The theory of ideas, for example, influenced the thinking of philosophers such as Plotinus, who developed a philosophical current known as Neoplatonism. Furthermore, Plato's ideas also had an impact on Christian philosophy, especially the work of Saint Augustine.

Criticism of Platonic theory

Platonic theory has also been criticized throughout history. Some philosophers questioned the existence of ideas and the possibility of accessing them through reason. Others criticized Plato's dualist view, which separates the sensible world from the world of ideas.

Furthermore, Platonic theory has also been criticized for its elitist view of education, which proposes the separation of young people from their families and education by the State. This view was considered authoritarian and contrary to individual freedom.

The relevance of Platonic theory today

Despite criticism, Platonic theory remains relevant today. His ideas about the existence of a world beyond the sensitive world and about the importance of reason and education for access to true knowledge are still the subject of study and reflection.

Furthermore, Platonic theory can also be applied to different areas of knowledge, such as psychology and politics. For example, idea theory can be related to cognitive psychology, which studies the mental processes involved in perception and thinking.

In short, Platonic theory is one of the main philosophical currents of classical antiquity, which seeks to understand the nature of the world and the existence of universal and eternal ideas. His ideas about the sensitive world, the world of ideas, knowledge, the soul and education continue to be the subject of study and debate to this day.