Forms as Perfect Models

Table of Contents

Forms as Perfect Models

What makes it true that Leo and Leona are both lions?

Forms are

Plato: Innate Knowledge

To classify x as F, one must first know what an F is

e.g. to know what a dog or cat is one must know the definition of being a dog or being a cat

definitions describe essence

Sensation cannot convey what is universal or essential

Hence, knowledge of what things are (definitions of the universal and essential) must be innate

Hence, although one might learn that some particular thing (noticed in observation) is an F, it is impossible to learn what it is to be an F; it is impossible to learn what a Form is; Forms are known innately

Innate Knowledge: Short Version

All recognition is really pattern matching

The Slave Boy

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