platonismu

Platonism is a philosophical tradition and system of thought named after the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. At its core, Platonism posits the existence of a realm of perfect, eternal, and unchanging Forms or Ideas, which are considered more real than the physical world we perceive with our senses. These Forms are the archetypes or blueprints for all things in the material world. For example, the Form of Beauty exists independently of any beautiful object, and all beautiful objects in the physical world are merely imperfect copies or participants in this Form.

Platonism emphasizes the importance of reason and intellect in attaining true knowledge. Plato believed that the soul, being immortal, had prior knowledge of the Forms before its incarnation in a physical body. Learning, therefore, is a process of recollection (anamnesis), where the soul remembers these Forms through philosophical inquiry and contemplation. The physical world, being subject to change and decay, can only provide opinion or belief, not true knowledge.

Ethically, Platonism suggests that the highest good is the Form of the Good, which illuminates all other Forms. Achieving this good involves cultivating the virtues – wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice – which are seen as reflections of the order and harmony of the Forms. The ideal society, as described in Plato's Republic, is one ruled by philosopher-kings who possess knowledge of the Forms and can govern justly. Platonism has had a profound and lasting influence on Western philosophy, theology, and art.