Theory was his way of explaining how the same universal term can refer to so many particular

things or events. An individual is human to the extent that they resemble or participate. In the

Form "humanness" if "humanness" is defined in terms of being a rational animal and human

being to the extent that he or she is rational. An object is beautiful to the extent that it

participates in the Idea, or Form of beauty. Everything in the world of space and time is, what it

Is by virtue of it's resemblance to, or participation in, it's universal Form. The supreme Form is

the Form of Good, which like the sun in the myth of the cave, illuminates all the other ideas.

The theory of Forms is intended to explain how one comes to know and also how things have

The forms are eternal and changeless, but enter into a partnership with changeable matter, to produce the objects and examples of concepts, we perceive in the temporal world. These are always in a state of becoming, and may participate in a succession of forms. The ever-changing temporal world can thus, only be the source of opinion. P

The great logical strength of the Theory of Forms is that it is a construction capable of adapting to all criticism: whilst there are archetypal forms that correspond to all terms used by man, many of the terms used by man are incorrect; only the Gods use correct names consistently. Whilst Socrates may be presented as agreeing with his interlocutors, this is usually a step in demonstrating their state of ignorance, and indeed that of Socrates. For in the true Socratic tradition the recognition of one's own ignorance is seen as an advancement of knowledge. What is more, if a discussion results in confusion and seeming contradiction, then that too can be seen as the theory at work, for Plato develops in Philebus and Phaedo the notion that because the world of the senses, the "seen" world, is compounded and finite, the one archetypal form (the "unseen") gives rise to apparent opposites on that level.

In conclusion there is much relevance for Plato's theory of Forms in today's society. Forms were a way in which Plato defined reality and they can still be used in order for others to find a reality for themselves. In looking at Plato's view's we are able to see how to this very day the Forms still exist; for example, Justice, Beauty, Equality, Truth, and Goodness. Even though people may not realize it, they are searching for final causes, or Forms. It is easy to understand why and how the Forms are the ultimate objects of human striving. Since they are unchanging and pure, the Forms provide a type of satisfaction that is unavailable from any other source. Not only are we unable to completely possess them, which fires our desire, but also they endure, unlike lesser things that ultimately fall into nonbeing.

The discussion of "greatness" is the culmination of a sequence of grand images on the notion of the infinite and indivisible being able to participate in the multitude, without being divided or diminished. Plato had already resolved the question with his image of "day":

The influence that Plato, the Greek philosopher born in 427 BC in Athens, has had throughout the history of philosophy has been monumental. Among other things, Plato is known for his exploration of the fundamental problems of natural science, political theory, metaphysics, theology and theory of knowledge; many of his ideas becoming permanent elements in Western thought. The basis of Plato's philosophy is his theory of Ideas, or doctrine of Forms. While the notion of Forms is essential to Plato's philosophy, over years of philosophical study, it has been difficult to understand what these Forms are supposed to be, and the purpose of their existence. When examining Plato's forms and evaluating the theory, some conclusions have proved to be unclear and unanswered. However, the doctrine of Forms is essential to Plato's philosophy. Plato came to his view of the Forms based on two premises: first that knowledge cannot come through the senses; and second, we do nevertheless manage to know things - in mathematics, for instance. Plato believed in two worlds; the empirical realm of concrete, familiar objects known through sensory experience, and the rational realm of perfect and eternal Forms. According to Plato, the empirical realm is not real, as sensory objects are not completely real. Beliefs derived from experience of such objects are therefore vague and unreliable, whereas principles of mathematics and philosophy, discovered by inner, rationalistic meditation on the Forms, constitute the only real "knowledge". Such familiar, concrete things as trees, human bodies and animals, which can be known through the senses, are merely shadowy, imperfect copies of their Forms. F

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