applications of the forms

Question 1

philosopher-kings

Answer 1

As the only true knowledge is knowledge of the Forms, we all should seek to gain knowledge of the Forms. Moreover, since greater knowledge is in the end, a greater knowledge of the Good, philosophers are best fit to rule. Forms are things to be contemplated upon and admired in their perfection.

Question 2

recollection

Answer 2

Plato argues that since we have concepts of the Forms without having experienced them, we must have known them in a time before birth, meaning that knowledge is recollection and the soul is immortal.

Question 3

the republic

Answer 3

He goes further to say that certain people have greater innate knowledge of the Forms, leading him to theories of political systems alternative to democracy, which he believed did not lead to the most knowledgeable outcomes. He instead proposed a sort of dictatorship headed by a philosopher king, with ‘guardians’ to guide the people