Plato's Theory of Knowledge, Ethics, and Politics

Plato's Theory of Knowledge

For Plato, the soul belongs to the intelligible world but resides in the material world. This leads to the Theory of Reminiscence, which posits that knowledge is acquired through experience, but we already possess it within us. We must realize that ideas are tools that help the soul remember what it already knows. Knowledge, therefore, comes from memories; to know is to remember. Socrates believed that truth lies within the soul. We should not seek what we do not know, because everything is already inside us.

There are other ways of knowing, such as the dialectic, which is the true knowledge of essences. It involves dialogue and discussions to understand Ideas. Dialectic is above reason, and scientific discourse constitutes episteme. Plato stated that to know, we must have a foundation of passion or desire to learn, knowledge as love, known as the erotic impulse. To know, we must purify the body, thus increasing the connection to the Ideal world. This is intellectualism moral: one who wants to do good does so because they know what is good. This knowledge gives us Virtue, Socrates' idea.

Platonic Ethics and Politics

Plato's ethics are closely related to politics, leading him to question whether Justice and Virtue can be taught. Socrates taught the virtues, but often we are swayed by opinions and appearances, failing to grasp virtue itself. This is where the Sophists come in, teaching how to defend any argument. Virtue signifies Saber, i.e., knowledge of good, moral intellectualism, and harmony between the parts of the soul. Justice is the supreme virtue of the Policy, and its harmony ensures that everyone receives their due. In individuals, this means each part of the soul fulfilling its proper function, representing the cardinal virtues.

In the rational part of the soul, we find wisdom and prudence; in the irascible part, courage and strength; and in the concupiscible part, temperance and moderation. These strengths constitute justice.

Justice in Politics and the Ideal State

In politics, the focus is on Justice, whether referring to individuals or the state. Plato presents an ideal state as a prerequisite for Justice, led by philosophers, echoing Socrates' idea.

He identifies three essential needs: financial resources, defense, and governance. To meet these needs, he proposes three classes: producers (economic), guardians (defense), and philosophers (government), as they possess knowledge of the Good.

Plato believes that government should be guided by science and knowledge, not opinion. Thus, there is a relationship between the soul and professional aptitude. Individuals are assigned to one of the groups based on their soul's inclination. The state should educate its citizens, with military training before the age of 20 and philosophical studies from 20 to 35. This is why he defends Monarchy or Aristocracy as a System of Government. There are no laws, and the tyrant only watches. Furthermore, a communist system restricts rulers to guards, shielding them from corruption, and educated women would be like men. He is unable to carry out this system of government.