For now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known. – 1 Corinthians 13:12
This is one of the best philosophical animations that I have seen. It explains Plato’s views very visually and simply. If we had more material like this, perhaps our generation wouldn’t be so mindless and self-indulgent on pointless entertainment. Now, I do not agree with the notion that there are platonic objects but it should not be treated lightly. Plato is half-right, but I side with Aquinas in his attempt to synthesize Aristotle and Plato. For one, it is not possible for a material object’s form to exist without its matter. Properties such as bounciness, roundness, etc are abstract concepts and cannot in themselves be a material object. Rather, prime matter is actualized more perfectly when it is compounded with existence and form. However, I do think Plato is correct in some areas because there are immaterial concepts such as triangularity that cannot be perfectly instantiated in the physical world. Thus, I hold to a position where platonic objects only exist with the divine mind since it does not make sense to assert that abstract objects can exist without one.



One Response to Plato’s Cave, Animated
Robert July 13, 2012
If we had more material like this, perhaps our generation wouldn’t be so mindless and self-indulgent on pointless entertainment.
I’m about to head out of town for a few days, so I don’t really have much time to write something lengthier here. But man, this is *so* true!