A Platonist refers to someone who adheres to the philosophical teachings and principles established by the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato. The term "Platonist" originates from the name of Plato, who was a prominent thinker and student of Socrates.
In Plato's philosophy, he put forth the idea that the physical world that we perceive with our senses is merely a flawed reflection or imitation of the ideal world of Forms or Ideas. Platonists embrace this notion, believing that true knowledge and understanding can only be attained through the contemplation of these abstract and perfect Forms.
According to Platonist philosophy, the visible and tangible world is transient and ever-changing, while the world of abstract Forms is eternal and unchanging. Platonists believe that the ultimate objective of human life is to strive for knowledge and wisdom by seeking harmony between the physical and the ideal realms.
Platonists further argue that the human soul is immortal and has previously resided in the realm of the Forms. They believe that through philosophical inquiry and reflection, individuals can access the memories of their soul's previous existence and achieve a profound understanding of reality.
Moreover, Platonists place great emphasis on the power of reason and logical thinking as a means of attaining knowledge. They advocate for the use of dialectics and rational argumentation to arrive at truth and ultimate wisdom.
In summary, a Platonist is an individual who embraces the philosophy of Plato, regarding the ideal world of Forms as the key to true knowledge, relying on rational inquiry, and recognizing the importance of the soul in the pursuit of wisdom.
