Plato and Aristotle: Theories of Forms and Hylomorphism
Plato: The Theory of Forms
Plato’s theory of forms posits a distinction between the world of appearances (the sensible world) and a realm of perfect, unchanging forms. He argued that the physical world we perceive is constantly changing, and therefore, true knowledge cannot be derived from it. Instead, true knowledge comes from understanding the eternal and immutable forms.
Plato’s theory suggests that the objects we perceive in the sensible world are merely imperfect copies or reflections of these perfect forms. For example, a beautiful object is beautiful because it participates in the form of beauty. The forms are not physical or material; they exist outside of space and time and can only be accessed through reason.
Plato’s theory of forms is often referred to as the ‘theory of ideas’.
Aristotle: The Theory of Hylomorphism
Aristotle, a student of Plato, disagreed with his teacher’s theory of forms. He proposed an alternative theory called hylomorphism, which became the dominant theory in the West for over a millennium. Aristotle believed that knowledge could be gained from the sensible world.
Aristotle observed that changes in the world can be categorized into two types: accidental and substantial. Accidental changes are changes in the properties of a thing that do not alter its essence. For example, a person’s hair color can change without changing who they are. Substantial changes, on the other hand, are changes that alter the essence of a thing, causing it to become something else entirely.
Aristotle argued that all beings are composed of two fundamental principles: matter and form. Matter is the stuff of which things are made, while form is what organizes that matter into a particular kind of thing. Form is not just the shape of an object but also its function and purpose. When a thing undergoes a substantial change, either its matter or form changes, causing it to cease to exist as it was.
Aristotle’s theory of hylomorphism attempts to explain how things change and how we can gain knowledge of the world through our senses. However, it also raises questions about the nature of matter and form, which are not directly perceivable.
Problems with Hylomorphism
- Neither matter nor form are entities that can be perceived, making it difficult to empirically verify their existence.
- The theory struggles to explain gradual changes in a subject without a clear change in substance.