Plato's Epistemology

Question 1

Explain the difference between knowledge and opinion/belief.

Answer 1

Beliefs are changeable, they may be true or false, they are subjective and particular, they are not backed up by reasons as justification, and they are often arrived at by persuasion.

Knowledge is unchanging, always true, objective and universal, backed up by reasons as justification, and is the result of rational analysis. Knowledge = justified true belief.

Question 2

How does Plato show that knowledge is possible?

Answer 2

Plato shows that knowledge is possible through his theory of Forms or Ideas. Plato believes that knowledge is not derived from sensory experience but from a realm of timeless and unchanging Forms that exist beyond the physical world. The physical world that we perceive through our senses is a realm of appearances, characterized by constant change and imperfection. In contrast, the realm of Forms is eternal, immutable, and consists of perfect and abstract entities that are the true objects of knowledge.

Question 3

What are the objects of the senses and the objects of reason?

Answer 3

Objects of the senses refers to the particular object/image being perceived by the senses and/or imagination. Associated with the material realm, which is characterized by change, variability, and imperfection. They are subject to the limitations and fluctuations of the physical world. Sensory perception provides us with empirical information about these objects, but it is considered less reliable for obtaining true knowledge.

Objects of reason refers to the idea of something transcends any particular and changeable image. Ex: Idea of a triangle. Refers to abstract and universal concepts that are grasped through rational thought, reflection, and intellectual inquiry. These objects are not directly accessible through the senses but are apprehended through the powers of the mind.

Question 4

Explain what Plato means by a Form/Idea (eidos), and how the Form related to the things of our experience.

Answer 4

The Form (Eidos, Idea) is grasped by reason alone, is universal and unchanging, and is the real object of knowledge. An abstract, eternal, and perfect entity that exists beyond the physical world. Forms are timeless and unchanging, and they serve as the ultimate reality and the foundation of true knowledge.

According to Plato, the objects we encounter in this physical world are mere imperfect copies or imitations of their corresponding Forms. For example, in the physical world, we may encounter various triangle-shaped objects, such as a triangle drawn on a piece of paper or a triangular building. However, according to Plato, these physical instances of triangles are imperfect copies of the Form of a triangle, which exists in the realm of Forms. The Form of a triangle is an ideal, perfect, and unchanging concept that embodies all the essential characteristics of a triangle, such as having three sides and three angles that add up to 180 degrees.

Question 5

Why does Plato need the Forms to explain the existence of knowledge?

Answer 5

1. Knowledge is universal and unchanging.
2. We do have such knowledge.
3. This knowledge is not about the objects perceived by the senses, which are always particular and changeable.
4. Hence, there must be other objects, grasped by reason alone, which are universal and unchanging.
5. These are the Platonic Forms.