Plato and the Nature of Knowledge

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines a number of issues that address Plato's understanding of knowledge and how true knowledge is derived. In particular, the paper reviews his perception of what knowledge is, his perception of what constitutes the object of knowledge, what knowledge does for human beings, and whether or not all things one may wish to know are indeed knowable.

From the Paper:

"Epistemological concerns are rampant in the work of most philosophers, and Plato is certainly no different from the majority. The following paper will examine Plato's discussion of the nature of knowledge. In particular, the paper will outline what he perceives knowledge to be, what he perceives to be the "objects" of knowledge, how individuals attain knowledge, what knowledge does for us and whether or not everything we know is knowable with absolute certainty. Drawing from an assortment of his works, what should emerge is an appreciation for how this one philosopher established the underpinnings of western epistemology through his relentless pursuit of ideal forms and greater insight. With all that in mind, it is interesting to examine what Plato divines knowledge to be."

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