We are all Platonists, in so far as we seek the hidden, invariable cause

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◉ Dr. Ahn’ theorem : We are all Platonists, in so far as we seek the hidden, invariable, common, universal cause of being.

Plato's Form-Theory and Scientific Development and Our Life

The difference between Plato's two great works, "The State" and "Phaedo," is illustrated in a diagram.

There are only two or three Forms in the "The State." Form is transcendent, over and above the visible things.

However, "Phaedo" says that every object or being has a Form (Idea). Here Forms are thought of as immanent, efficient cause of beings.

This theory of Form (Idea) is later transformed into the universal concept or law.

It is very important because it contributes to the development of Western learning and science.

Plato's concept of Form changes to 1) the universal by Aristotle, 2) the essence in the middle age

3) the concept of cause of things. Causes are scientifically understood and developed into laws in recent years.

Plato mainly identified ethical and aesthetic value concepts as essentials in Form, but as seen in “Phsedo”, they can be applied to any object or phenomenon.

We can apply Platonic Form-Theory to our daily life.

For example, if there is a Form in wealth, we can become rich if we know it. Especially if the Form is the cause of an object or an event, the purpose can be achieved by finding the cause or the law. The reason for the development of Western learning and science is that humans have seeked this Platonism, i.e. to find the cause of the phenomenon, which can be understood as universal law, not being satisfied with the given phenomenon. So Plato's theory of Form has contributed hugely to the development of science and human life.