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In philosophy and specifically metaphysics, the theory of Forms, theory of Ideas, Platonic idealism, or Platonic realism is a theory widely credited to the Classical Greek philosopher Plato. The theory suggests that the physical world is not as real or true as "Forms". According to this theory, Forms—conventionally capitalized and also commonly translated as "Ideas"—are the non-physical, timeless, absolute, and unchangeable essences of all things, of which objects and matter in the physical world are merely imitations. Plato speaks of these entities only through the characters in his dialogues who sometimes suggest that these Forms are the only objects of study that can provide knowledge.
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References
- ↑ http://faculty.cua.edu/hoffmann/courses/201_1068/Plato [ dead link ]
- ↑ Aristotle, De Anima, Bk. III, ch. 5 (430a10-25).
- ↑ Plotinus at the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Retrieved on May 15, 2009
- ↑ Compendium Theologiae Retrieved on May 15, 2009