PLATO ON: The Forms

Question 1

Question: Why is it highly beneficial to ask about the perfect marriage, career, or system of government?

Answer 1

Answer: Asking about the perfect versions of these concepts helps identify flaws and understand how to make the world a better place.

Question 2

Question: What is a useful word to describe an ideal relationship or parental love?

Answer 2

Answer: The term “form” is useful for describing an ideal relationship or the ideal expression of parental love.

Question 3

Question: What did workers carving stone ornaments use as a guide for their work?

Answer 3

Answer: Workers carving stone ornaments used a wooden form acquired from their master as a guide, enabling them to create a perfect work.

Question 4

Question: What does an ideal serve as, and how can it be used?

Answer 4

Answer: An ideal serves as a guide that helps you do something well yourself. It can be used as a blueprint to create an excellent version of something.

Question 5

Question: How can forms be sourced and used for guidance in life?

Answer 5

Answer: Forms can be sourced from philosophy and serve as well-thought-out models that guide our actions. For example, the “form of friendship” is a mental model for building good friendships.

Question 6

Question: Are ideals necessarily opposed to what is deemed realistic, and how can they be useful?

Answer 6

Answer: Ideals are not necessarily the opposite of realism. They are useful for improving relationships or other aspects of life by providing a benchmark for positive change.

Question 7

Question: What role do ideals play in identifying flaws and making improvements?

Answer 7

Answer: By looking at the characteristics of what makes an ideal, we can identify flaws in relationships or other areas and make necessary changes to bring them closer to the ideal.

Question 8

Question: Why is it important for someone setting up an airport to consider the ideal traffic control system?

Answer 8

Answer: Considering the ideal traffic control system ensures that the airport operates optimally, effectively, and safely, guiding the planning and execution of air traffic control.

Question 9

Question: What is Plato’s stance on searching for ideals and getting things done?

Answer 9

Answer: Plato is against the notion that searching for ideals hinders getting things done; he sees ideals as valuable guides for achieving the best results.

Question 10

Question: What might it indicate if an ideal seems utterly distant and hopeless?

Answer 10

Answer: If an ideal seems distant and hopeless, it might indicate that it is not idealistic enough or that we have not yet discovered the ideal form. It doesn’t mean we should abandon our ideals.