Plato's Theory of Knowledge: Ideas, Soul, and Reminiscence

Theory of Knowledge

The Sophists claimed that words were meaningless. However, Socrates and Plato argued against this. In Plato's dialogues, the spoken word was considered a convention, suggesting that things are named arbitrarily. This raised the question of how language originated.

Another theory explored the essence of things, proposing that names should reflect the inherent nature of objects. However, this theory faced challenges due to the existence of different languages.

The third theory, selection intelligible, posits that there are degrees of knowledge. Plato illustrated this with the "allegory of the segmented line," dividing knowledge into two realms: Doxa and Episteme.

Doxa encompasses assumptions and expert opinions about physical objects, which are considered unreliable due to their changeable nature. Episteme, on the other hand, involves reasoning about unchanging mathematical objects and dialectical exploration of ideas.

These ideas are universal and constant across languages. For example, the concept of beauty or justice remains the same regardless of linguistic expression. Plato believed these ideas exist in the "world of ideas," which he considered the true reality, unlike the material world we inhabit.

In the world of ideas resides the soul, which is immortal and unchanging. However, the soul is drawn to the material world and becomes trapped within the body. To return to the world of ideas, the soul undergoes reincarnation, acquiring wisdom along the way.

The Sophists challenged Plato's theory, arguing that if one is born with innate knowledge, learning becomes impossible. Conversely, if one lacks innate knowledge, recognizing truth becomes unattainable.

To address these criticisms, Plato developed the theory of reminiscence. This theory suggests that the soul forgets the ideas from the world of ideas upon entering the material world. Learning, therefore, is a process of remembering these forgotten ideas.

Conclusion

Plato's theory of knowledge was profoundly influential, particularly in Neoplatonism. Despite its significance, Plato himself questioned aspects of his theory, such as why the soul falls into the material world and forgets its innate knowledge.