Plato Defends Rationalism

Plato Defends freethinking Plato was a highly better A thereforeian Philosopher. He lived from 428-348 B. C. Plato spent the earlier portion of his life as a disciple to Socrates, which undoubtedly helped shape his philosophic theories. One topic that he seekd was epistemology. Epistemology is the sphere of influence of philosophy that deals with incertitudes concerning acquaintance, and that considers various theories of friendship (Lawhead 52). Plato had super distinct rationalistic viewpoints. Rationalism is the pick out that rationality, or intellect, is the primary source of our constitutional cognition about reality (55).By examining Platos philosophic position on the one-third underlying epistemological straitss, as healthful as analyzing his power to unfreeze the threesome mainstay points of rationalism, it is clear to see that Plato was palmy in defending rationalism. There argon three basic questions that argon the al-Qaida for determining the diffe rence between respective(prenominal)ly of the epistemological viewpoints. The first of these is Is familiarity possible? In order to fancy just now what is universe asked here, it is important to consider the concur definition of noesis as being a true reassert judgment (53).Plato believed that yes, it is possible to have knowledge. He claimed that as long as one has the ability to deal something as assumed, they argon adapted of having knowledge. The back question is Does reason give up us with knowledge of the valet de chambre one by one of mother across? Plato would in addition answer yes to this question as well. Many objected to this, believing that knowledge was a result of nose out cause rather than reason. Plato examined this theory (empiricism) he argued that, because the carnal world is subject to change, there endure be no real honor in knowledge that is based altogether on ones senses.He then used the examples Justice, Goodness, and Equality to justify his bank line that there ar some things that we can non sustain to know through with(predicate) bring forth alone, frankincense 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 mind precedent to experience, called innate ideas (73). The third and final exam question is Does our knowledge represent reality as it really is? To this question, he would answer yes. Platos distinction 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 able to induce rational knowledge. Rational knowledge, as Plato relieves, gives us the ability to unalikeiate between constant Forms (Universals) and the ever changing char turningeristics that are recognized through sense experiences. Plato believes that knowledge of Universals digest us with knowledge of the th oroughgoing features of reality, which are nonphysical, eternal, and unchanging (81). The three key 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 most 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 inadequate route to knowledge (73). Plato questions the reliability and adequacy of sense experience, callable to the fact 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. Kn owledge cannot be based 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 soulfulness 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 only by proving his theory, but also by disproving option theories. Plato recognized the fact that knowledge is possible. He believed that the ability to identify something as false can only come from crafty 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 several validated argu ments.Platos strongest argument was that we cannot base our 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, frankincense 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 defined above, a true justified belief.This rational knowledge, in turn, leads us to the knowledge of reality. Plato spent much of his life poring over philosophy, and the concept of knowledge. After finding error in other epistemological theories, he was led to develop 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 figure of philosophers after him.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