Plato Defends Rationalism

Plato Defends Rationalism Plato was a highly educated Athenian Philosopher. He lived from 428-348 B. C. Plato spent the early portion of his life as a disciple to Socrates, which undoubtedly helped shape his philosophic theories. One topic that he explored was epistemology. Epistemology is the argona of philosophy that deals with brains concerning acquaintance, and that trains various theories of pick outledge (Lawhead 52). Plato had super distinct rationalistic viewpoints. Rationalism is the claim that reason, or intellect, is the primary source of our unplumbed cognition about reality (55).By examining Platos philosophical position on the triplet raw material epistemological questions, as well as analyzing his ability to liberate the trine anchor points of rationalism, it is clear to see that Plato was successful in defend rationalism. There are three basic questions that are the foundation garment for play out the difference between each of the epistemological viewp oints. The first of these is Is association execut adequate? In order to acquire exactly what is being asked here, it is important to consider the agreed definition of experience as being a square(a) justified belief (53).Plato believed that yes, it is possible to have knowledge. He claimed that as large as one has the ability to recognize nearlything as false, they are undetermined of having knowledge. The second question is Does reason domiciliate us with knowledge of the introduction independently of pay back? Plato would also answer yes to this question as well. more objected to this, believing that knowledge was a result of sense experience sort of than reason. Plato examined this theory (empiricism) he argued that, because the physical world is subject to change, there green goddess be no real truth in knowledge that is establish solely on ones senses.He then used the examples Justice, Goodness, and par to justify his argument that there are some things that we flowerpotnot come to know with experience alone, thus casting doubt on the empiricist theory. Plato expands on the teachings of Socrates, and acknowledges the concept that we already have ideas or principles that are contained in our consciousness prior to experience, called insepar adapted ideas (73). The third and final question is Does our knowledge cost reality as it really is? To this question, he would answer yes. Platos character between innate ideas and sense experience bring us to understand his true sense of reality.Our innate ideas are the foundation from which we are sufficient to possess rational knowledge. Rational knowledge, as Plato rationalises, gives us the ability to discriminate between invariable Forms (Universals) and the ever changing characteristics that are recognized through sense experiences. Plato believes that knowledge of Universals provide us with knowledge of the fundamental features of reality, which are nonphysical, eternal, and unchanging (81). The three anchor points of Rationalism expand on the question discussed above, Does reason provide us with knowledge of the world independently of experience?The first anchor point is Reason is the primary or close superior source of knowledge about reality (72). Plato proves this point to be true by determining that it is through unchanging, Universal knowledge, that we come to find reality. The second anchor point is Sense experience is an unreliable and unretentive route to knowledge (73). Plato questions the reliability and adequacy of sense experience, due to the point that there are things that we are simply unable to experience in the physical world. If knowledge comes strictly from experience, and we are unable to experience some things, how is it that we come to find such knowledge?Plato also argues that sense experiences are subject to individual interpretation, and are ever changing. Knowledge cannot be found on inconstant perception. The final anchor point of rationalism is The fundamental truths about the world can be known a priori (independently of, or prior to, experience) They are either innate or self-evident to our minds (73). Plato believed that knowledge was contained in our soul from preexistence, and was independent of human experiences. He came to the conclusion that it is from these innate ideas that we are able to recognize reality.Platos view on epistemology is extremely consistent with that of rationalism. He was able to successfully justify his beliefs, not sole(prenominal) by proving his theory, but also by disproving alternative theories. Plato recognized the occurrence that knowledge is possible. He believed that the ability to identify something as false can only come from knowing truth. This was the first step in his philosophical journey. In his quest to determine the source, and explore the characteristics of knowledge, he made some(prenominal) valid arguments.Platos strongest argument was that we cannot base o ur knowledge directly on experience, because there are circumstances in which our senses do not provide us with reliable truths. Not only did this make it apparent that experience is not concrete enough to act as a basis for knowledge, thus disproving the imperialistic theory, but it also helped justify his theory of Universals. Plato was able to prove that reason, by way of innate ideas, leads us to knowledge, as it was specify above, a true justified belief.This rational knowledge, in turn, leads us to the knowledge of reality. Plato spent much of his life studying philosophy, and the concept of knowledge. After purpose fault in some other epistemological theories, he was led to better a philosophy of his own. Platos approach toward epistemology was considerably different from that of other philosophers in his day. His rationalistic viewpoints were extremely influential. He brought light to the concept of Universals, which had a great impact on the work of philosophers after h im.Plato was able to explain knowledge from all aspects, which set him apart from others. Plato was not only able to conclude that knowledge is possible, he was also able to explain how knowledge is obtained. By examining Platos philosophical position on the three basic epistemological questions, as well as analyzing his ability to justify the three anchor points of rationalism, it is clear to see that Plato was successful in defending rationalism.Works Cited Lawhead, William F. The philosophical Journey An Interactive Approach. 5th ed. New York McGraw-Hill, 2011. 52-81. Print