View source for Theory of forms

[[Plato]]'s '''theory of Forms''' or '''theory of Ideas''' asserts that non-material abstract (but [[Ousia|substantial]]) forms (or ideas), and not the material world of change [[allegory of the cave|known to us through sensation]], possess the highest and most fundamental kind of reality.

(TO DO: expand, organize, cross-reference, illustrate.)

== Description ==

Plato speaks of these entities only through the characters (primarily [[Socrates]]) of his dialogues who sometimes suggest that these Forms are the only true objects of study that can provide us with genuine knowledge; thus even apart from the very controversial status of the theory, Plato's own views are much in doubt.

Plato spoke of Forms in formulating [[Platonic realism|a possible solution]] to the [[problem of universals]].

== See also ==

* [[Philosophy]]
* [[Plato]]

== External links == 

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_Forms Theory of forms] @ Wikipedia