Platos Forms Essay -- essays research papers

I. IntroductionPurpose     I intend to show the inclemency of Platos stemmas about his theory of Forms. Aristotle, along with differents, cross-examines Platos proposals. Yet, I happen to see the potential of his point of view and would like to take a deeper look into his theory. The purpose of this authorship is to critically analyze the theory of Platos Forms from his perspective and that of several others, including Aristotle.Topics     The topics in which I will mainly focus on will be Forms as universals, Forms as unwrap entities (substances), Universe as two realities, and Forms as final causes. For the most part, the topics are interwoven together yet I will try to separate them in such a fashion as to provide sufficient arguments for each main topic.     II. "In View of Platos Theory of Forms"Topic 1 Forms as Universals     "The essence of Platos theory of Ideas (Forms) lay in th e conscious recognition of the fact that there is a class of entities, for which the best name is probably "universal," that are completely different from sensible things" (Allen 18). Platos theory of Forms assumed that Forms are universal and exist as substances. Aristotle firmly disagrees with the idea of Forms being universals. In Scaltsas Substances and Universals in Aristotles Metaphysics, he defines universals as being "the object of understanding and thought, the object of knowledge, and indeed of scientific knowledge" (33).     Platos first argument for his idea that Forms are universals uses mathematics and the informations to explain his theory.     According to Plato, science is the body of universal and necessary truths (Jones 125). Jones also pointed out Platos view that since math is a science, there must be forms to be the objects of mathematical knowledge. "Nothing other than eternal, unchanging forms lot qualify to be the objects of scientific knowledge." (Jones 125) Plato also described mathematical objects as being universals and separate substances (Cherniss 180).      In Nicholas Denyers article titled "Platos Theory of Stuffs" he claims that Platos argument on Forms, as universals, is valid. He believe... ...elements. Platos arguments did have some value though but in order for them to stand with the highest merit, they should be revised and refined.     There is frequently relevance for Platos theory of Forms in todays society. Forms were a way in which Plato defined reality and they can still be used in order for others to get word a reality for themselves. In looking at Platos view, as well as others, it has helped me to see more clearly my concept of reality and the final causes in which I strive for. Forms exist still today for example, Justice, Beauty, Equality, Truth, and Goodness. Even though people may not rea lize 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" (Teloh 134).