PHI 150 Lecture 5: 2-8-17 In Class Notes
Document Summary
Metaphysical objects are the bottom line, powers of the soul is the top line. Since plato claims that the forms ultimately constitute reality, and they can be known through reason alone, he is a rationalist. Rationalism is the view that knowledge is derived from the mind or reason alone, without any aid from the senses. Hence, plato rejects empiricism-the view that knowledge is derived from the senses or experience. (can you see why this is required by plato"s metaphysics?) B - released prisoner sees the fire, etc. C - outside the cave released prisoner sees reflections in the water. D - finally, released prisoner sees the actual objects, and eventually, the sun itself. Dramatically the phaedo recounts socrates" last night before he is put to death. Philosophically, the phaedo is a transitional dialogue between plato"s early and middle periods and employs philosophical ideas that cannot be attributed to the historical socrates such as plato"s theory of forms.
