Plato’s Theory of Knowledge: Memory, Opposites, and the Soul
Plato’s Theory of Knowledge
1. Memory as Argument
Plato argued that encountering something familiar reminds us of something else, even if there’s no apparent connection. For example, seeing a lyre or a coat might remind someone of their beloved, even if there’s no direct relationship. Plato suggests that when we die, we don’t retain knowledge, but when we are reborn and learn new skills, we are actually recalling knowledge from a previous life without realizing it.
To illustrate this, Socrates uses the example of a slave who has no knowledge of geometry. Socrates asks the slave if he knows what geometry is, and the slave doesn’t. Socrates then draws a square and asks the slave what it is. The slave acknowledges it, even though he doesn’t know the term ‘square’. Socrates then asks the slave to double the size of the square. The slave initially extends the sides, but Socrates points out the error. The slave then tries halving the sides, but Socrates again corrects him. After some thought, the slave realizes that a square drawn on the diagonal of the original square doubles its area. Plato uses this to demonstrate that the slave possessed inherent knowledge of geometry, which was then recalled.
2. The Argument of Opposites
Everything has an origin, and if something exists, its opposite must also exist. Socrates explains that between a thing and its opposite, there are two processes: one from 1 to 2, and one from 2 to 1. For example, the opposite of sleep is being awake, and one transitions from sleep to being awake and vice versa. This concept is further explored in the Myth of the Winged Chariot.
Myth of the Winged Chariot
This myth, found in the Phaedrus, attempts to complete the argument that the soul doesn’t die with the body but continues to live. The myth distinguishes between the souls of the gods and humans:
- Rational Soul: Represented by the charioteer.
- Concupiscible Soul: A bad horse.
- Irascible Soul: A good horse.
For the gods, the charioteer easily guides the good horse. However, human souls have a difficult time because the charioteer must manage both a good and a bad horse. Souls are winged, but if they lose their wings, they fall to earth and are embodied. The charioteer, representing reason, struggles to control the two horses. The best souls can glimpse true reality, while others are pulled down by the bad horse.
Myth of the Cave
This myth relates to the death of Socrates, who was like a prisoner liberated from the cave. The prisoners in the cave are completely separated from their bodies and don’t use them. They are focused inward, forgetting the physical world. This is akin to death in life, which Socrates practiced. An action being dormant stems from its opposite; to live is to develop from death. There are two ways: from life to death and from death to life. If opposites didn’t occur, everything would cease to exist. If death didn’t precede life, and life didn’t precede death, life would eventually end.