Plato - Theory of Forms

Question 1

What is the key concept

Answer 1

Everything is every changing so we see concepts/ideas rather than actual knowledge

Question 2

Give an example of a form

Answer 2

We can draw the idea of a circle and recognise it as a circle despite it being imperfect and not an actual circle. (humans can’t draw perfect circles)

Question 3

What is the Analogy of the Cave

Answer 3

Prisoners are trapped in a cave facing a wall and have never seen anything accept the shadows which project on to the wall. One prisoner is released and experiences what the shadows actually are. He goes back to tell his friends and they think he is lying.

Question 4

What is the key point made in the analogy?

Answer 4

Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

Question 5

What do the prisoners represent in the analogy of the cave?

Answer 5

Us- we are prisoners to our world and cannot see the truth/real forms.

Question 6

What do the shadows represent in the analogy of the cave?

Answer 6

They represent how we see objects rather than their true form: everything isn’t real.

Question 7

What does the sun represent in the analogy of the cave?

Answer 7

The form of the good

Question 8

What is the Form of the Good

Answer 8

A perfect, eternal, and changeless Form, existing outside space and time

Question 9

What does the cave represent in the analogy of the cave?

Answer 9

It represents our physical world

Question 10

What do the chains represent in the analogy of the cave?

Answer 10

Our sense which give us false hope (our sense aren’t reliable: hallucinations, dreams feeling real)

Question 11

What does the prisoners journey represent in the analogy of the cave?

Answer 11

The movement from living in ignorance to true understanding

Question 12

According to Plato, does the world exist?

Answer 12

No.

Question 13

According to Plato, who should rule?

Answer 13

Philosophers, as they’re the only enlightened ones able to understand real good.

Question 14

According to Plato, what makes something pure?

Answer 14

For something to be pure it must be eternal

Question 15

Name 4 criticisms of Plato’s form of the good

Answer 15

• Karl Popper: Plato is determined to find certainty in an uncertain world that’s ever-changing.
• Some things have a definite reality: if you hit your head on a stone, it will hurt.
• There’s no proof of this world of forms
• Plato doesn’t clarify how these worlds are linked

Question 16

True of False: Plato believes everything is real

Answer 16

False. Plato believes we see shadows of forms, but the form is the only pure object.

Question 17

True of False: Plato believes everything is real

Answer 17

False. Plato believes we see shadows of forms, but the form is the only pure object.