Plato’s Theory of Forms is arguably one of the most influential set of ideas in all of western thought. One of the major implications of the theory is that truth exists objectively in an immaterial realm of existence. While this may seem obscure, we see this concept in most western religious systems. For example, if god exists, it can be assumed that god is in possession of all truth. This would include all scientific truth, but also moral truth. Thus, there would be a constant form of justice, righteousness, beauty etc. Contemporary attitudes lean toward more relativistic notions of such things. Right and wrong, true and untrue are often understood relative to location and historical periods. These days, it even seems to depend upon political affiliation and choice of news network. However, if a perfect god does exist, it would be strange to think of that deity making mistakes and changing his or her mind. What do you think of this theory? Without an immaterial reality that is unchanging, can there ever be any constant moral truth? Perhaps most problematic from a Platonic standpoint is the idea of Democracy. He refers to it as a “ship of fools”. Can we truly arrive at policies that are just, or good, based on the views of the majority? What if only a very small minority actually take the time to look deeply into the moral, geopolitical and economic issues of concern in running a state? Please share your thoughts on these concerns.
