Earlier today, we discussed about Plato's Cave theory, as well as its relevance in today's times where modern science has resulted in radical paradigm shifts. This brings us to the question of whether Plato's arguments are still valid, given that modern science today results in the invention of many new, novel ideas.
The interesting example of the iPad was brought up. If Plato's theory were true, does this mean that there was an iPad in the realm of Forms? Does this mean that the iPad is a manifestation of what was already present in the realm of Forms thousands of years ago? This is a contentious issue that we all have our arguments and opinions towards.
Linking this idea of manifestation to the attributes of Forms, the first attribute is stated as: Transcendent--Does not exist in time or space, it's timeless and unchanging. Therefore, this could have possibly meant that the iPad is just known as the iPad; similar to the analogy of what defines a tree. If Plato were true, what defines an iPad? A larger version of the iTouch? Then what defines an iTouch? This question of doubting goes on and on, and is once again related to what we discussed earlier--Descartes and his Cartesian method of doubt.
Descartes questions everything down to its backbone. He problematizes everything, especially for dominant truths, he does not take them for granted accoridng to his method of asing questions. His ability to do so emphasises the importance of self-reflexivity; i.e. the ability to look into oneself and understand how pre-conceived notions are formed and that they might be problematic.
Questions for us to think about over this weekend may be:
1. Is Plato's theory applicable to Modern Science?
2. Is everything we see a manifestation of what exists in the realm of Forms?
3. Is a priori (Rationalist) knowledge superior compared to a posteriori?
4. How is the knowledge of Mathematics formed? Rationlism or Empiricism?
Feel free to blog here and comment on the posts. Share your thoughts with the class and the community!
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Hello!
ReplyDeleteSince I'm already here, I think I'll just share what I concluded from the lesson:
I think Plato's Cave is still applicable to the modern world, with just one exception. I think men of today have moved on to contributing their own creations to the world of forms. In other words men are the puppeteers as well as the prisoners. I guess you could call the inventors puppeteers in this respect, and the consumers the prisoners.
In conclusion the world of forms is now in our hands!
Hope it makes sense, I'm quite sleepy now.
Thanks Qin En, this will really help in revision! :D
ReplyDelete(by the way this is marsha.)