More on the Thjeory of Forms

ialogues that discuss Forms

The theory is presented in the following dialogues:[44]

* Meno

71-81, 85-86: The discovery (or "recollection") of knowledge as latent in the soul, pointing forward to the theory of Forms

* Cratylus

389-390: The archetype as used by craftsmen

439-440: The problem of knowing the Forms.

* Symposium

210-211: The archetype of Beauty.

* Phaedo

73-80: The theory of recollection restated as knowledge of the Forms in soul before birth in the body.

109-111: The myth of the afterlife.

* Republic

o Book III

402-403: Education the pursuit of the Forms.

o Book V

472-483: Philosophy the love of the Forms. The philosopher-king must rule.

o Books VI-VII

500-517: Philosopher-guardians as students of the Beautiful and Just implement archetypical order.

Metaphor of the sun: The sun is to sight as Good is to understanding.

Allegory of the cave: The struggle to understand forms like men in cave guessing at shadows in firelight.

*

o Books IX-X

589-599: The ideal state and its citizens. Extensive treatise covering citizenship, government and society with suggestions for laws imitating the Good, the True, the Just, etc.

* Phaedrus

248-250: Reincarnation according to knowledge of the true

265-266: The unity problem in thought and nature.

* Parmenides

129-135: Participatory solution of unity problem. Things partake of archetypal like and unlike, one and many, etc. The nature of the participation (Third man argument). Forms not actually in the thing. The problem of their unknowability.

* Theaetetus

184-186: Universals understood by mind and not perceived by senses.

* Sophist