Platonic idealism is a philosophical theory that asserts the substantive reality around us is only a reflection of a higher truth, which is the abstraction. This theory was developed by the Classical Greek philosopher Plato and suggests that the physical world is not as real or true as "Forms". According to this theory, Forms, also known as Ideas, are the non-physical, timeless, absolute, and unchangeable essences of all things, while objects and matter in the physical world are merely imitations.
Key aspects of Platonic idealism include:
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Theory of Forms: This theory posits that the physical world is a mere reflection of the ideal world of Forms.
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Abstraction: Plato believed that truth is an abstraction, meaning that the ideal world of Forms is more real and true than the physical world.
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Division of Reality: Plato's theory of Forms is often seen as an early version of idealism, which is the view that the only reality is the ideal world of ideas.
Platonic idealism is contrasted with other philosophical positions, such as materialism, which asserts that the physical world is the only reality and that ideas are merely mental constructs. While Platonic idealism has been influential in various philosophical movements, it remains a contested topic in philosophy.
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