Plato's Theory of Knowledge and Reality

Plato's Philosophy of Knowledge

Plato believed that the philosophy of knowledge is distinct from mere technical skill. Philosophical knowledge, which concerns humanity and the fundamental principles governing the world, is not systematically acquired by everyone. Indeed, it is a great misfortune to be unaware of one's own ignorance.

Understanding Non-Wisdom

Non-wisdom, or ignorance, is characterized by being aware of what is false, or believing one knows when one does not.

Knowledge, Perception, and Truth

Plato argued that true knowledge is not derived from perception. Truth, in its purest form, transcends mere appearances. Perceptions of objects, their forms, and their shapes are variable and constantly changing. Since what is detected by the senses is in a state of flux, it can never attain the level of true being or stable knowledge.

Actual knowledge, therefore, cannot be perception. If it were, then no one could be more knowledgeable than another, as we all possess similar sensory perceptions. True wisdom is not merely being proud of one's state of knowledge, but understanding its limitations and striving for deeper insight.

Levels of Knowledge

• Sensory Level

  This level involves information founded on the senses, providing an intermediate understanding of a situation.

• Reasoning Level

  Through the study of reasoning, we reach a higher level of knowledge. This form of knowledge is truly valuable because it yields science (episteme). We encounter different types of objects of knowledge: firstly, those perceived through the senses, and secondly, those apprehended through reason. These correspond to two main levels of understanding: opinion and science.

Episteme: True Knowledge or Science

Episteme represents the highest level of knowledge, aiming for enduring and sustainable understanding. It is not based on sensory images but is aware of eternal models or Forms (Ideas).

Doxa: Opinion or Belief

Doxa occupies an intermediate level between complete ignorance and true science (episteme). It is a type of knowledge derived from the senses and based on information gathered from the perceptible world. Consequently, its objects often appear confusing, changing, and unreliable.

Love of Knowledge: The Driving Force

As described by Aristophanes in Plato's Symposium, love (Eros) is understood as a tendency to seek completeness, stemming from a sense of lack or "shortage." This is illustrated by the myth of the original human beings, who were split in two by the gods and now eternally seek their other half. Love, therefore, is the necessary drive to find what is desired and to achieve wholeness.

To Remember is to Know: Plato's Theory of Recollection

Plato repeatedly asserted that true knowledge is not acquired but rather recalled from within the soul. He believed that the soul, prior to birth, had direct access to the Forms (perfect, eternal ideas). Therefore, when we "learn" something in this world, such as the concept of a perfect circle (which does not exist with real accuracy in the sensory world), we are actually remembering what our soul already knew. This innate knowledge is an intrinsic part of our soul.