metaphysicsmetaphysics

what is most real about a thing is its form

things are principally (imperfect) representations of (perfect) forms [eidoi]

apprehended only through thought (cf. cymatics)

being & becoming (cf. brahman & atman)

god = the form of “the good”

epistemologyepistemology

wisdom, virtue, etc. cannot be taught

one has to come out of the cave

true knowledge is innate, since the soul is part of the world of Being itself

the elenchus

social-political philosophy

social-political philosophy

rule of the philosophers

one’s role in society should be determined by their moral and intellectual virtues

rulers are allowed no private possessions

sexual and familial regulation

women or men may hold political office

ethicsethics

the value of one’s life depends on the value of the objects to which one is attached

connection with the forms

harmony of the soul

aestheticsaestheticsto be in love is to seek the eternal possession of the good, or the form of Beauty

Beauty provides the greatest happiness

apprehension of Beauty comes through particular bodily attraction, general bodily attraction, beauty of the soul, beauty of customs, laws, and knowledge, eventually culminating in the changeless beauty of Beauty itself.