Definition:Platonic Realism

From ProofWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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