Definition:Platonic Realism
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Definition
At the heart of Plato's philosophy is the concept of Ideas, or Ideals, or Forms.
It is supposed that for every object there exists an ideal form of that object which is that object in perfect form.
In modern language, these would be referred to as mathematical abstractions.
Platonic realism is the idea that these abstractions actually exist in some place outside of space and time.
In particular, Plato recognised the concept of infinity as a realisable concept.
Also known as
Platonic realism is also known as Platonism.
Also see
Source of Name
This entry was named for Plato.
Sources
- 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): Platonism
- 1992: George F. Simmons: Calculus Gems ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {A}.2$: Pythagoras (ca. $\text {580}$ – $\text {500}$ B.C.)
- 1996: Winfried Just and Martin Weese: Discovering Modern Set Theory. I: The Basics ... (previous) ... (next): Introduction