Plato's Theory of Knowledge: Degrees, Dialectic, and Recollection

Plato's Theory of Knowledge

2.1 The Platonic Conception and Degrees of Knowledge

According to the Simile of the Line, there are two general forms of knowledge, which are further subdivided into two subtypes each:

1. Sensitive Knowledge (Doxa/Opinion)

This is second-order knowledge that only produces mere opinion (doxa). It is not real knowledge. It has two degrees:

• 1.1 Conjecture or Imagination (Eikasia): Knowledge of images, shadows, and reflections of sensible things.
• 1.2 Belief or Faith (Pistis): Knowledge of sensible things themselves.

2. Intellectual Knowledge (Episteme/Science)

This is knowledge of the universal (the Forms/Ideas). It also has two grades:

• 2.1 Discursive Reason (Dianoia): This gives us knowledge of mathematical objects, which are intermediate entities between the sensible and intelligible worlds. This type of knowledge serves as a preparation for accessing the highest form of knowledge, which is the knowledge of the intelligible world.
• 2.2 Intuitive Reason (Nous): This gives us the knowledge of the Ideas (Forms). Because it carries traces of Nous (intellect), this type of knowledge is known as Platonic science (Episteme).

2.2 The Dialectic

Dialectic serves to ascend to the intelligible world, and once there, to continue ascending from Idea to Idea until reaching the Idea of the Good. This is the dialectic of ascent.

Plato also developed a dialectic of descent. The ascent moves from multiplicity (sensible things and Forms) toward unity (the Idea of the Good), seeking similarities and identities among the various Forms to achieve the ultimate Form of the Good. The descent, conversely, moves from unity back toward multiplicity by systematically dividing the Forms.

2.3 Knowledge as Recollection (Anamnesis)

The soul belongs to the intelligible world and, therefore, would have already known the Forms (Ideas). When embodied in a body, the soul uses the senses to perceive sensible things. Since these sensible things are copies of the Forms, perceiving them causes the soul to remember the original Forms.

2.4 Knowledge and the Platonic Conception of Love (Eros)

Eros (love-desire) is what spurs the philosopher's ascent toward the intelligible world. This love-desire begins as sensual desire for sensuous beauty. However, this desire initiates an ascent that leads to:

1. Loving the beauty of the soul.
2. Loving the beauty found in institutions and laws.
3. Loving the beauty of mathematical order.
4. Ultimately, loving Beauty itself—the Idea of Beauty.