Plato developed a metaphysical theory called the Theory of Forms which argues that there are ideal, perfect versions of concepts like beauty that exist independently of the physical world. According to Plato, particular objects derive their characteristics by participating in these ideal Forms. Some key aspects of Forms are that they are eternal, unchanging, self-predicating, and independent of particular objects in the physical world. Plato believed Forms existed in a separate world from the world of particular objects we experience.

1. Metaphysics of the Forms

2. By Tom Phillips

3. A metaphysics is a philosophical theory concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and of the world Through asking two questions 1). What is there? 2). What is it like? Metaphysics

4. Plato (428-348BC) Created his own metaphysics based on the premise that there are independent, original concepts called forms, i.e. beauty, which particular things i.e. a beautiful butterfly ‘participate in’ and get their qualities from. This is a controversial metaphysics, Plato’s star pupil Aristotle rejected it, for example. Plato’s Metaphysics

5. Plato claims that there are several essential properties of the forms Self-predication Perfection Independence (from particulars) Permanence Simplicity Essential Properties of the Forms

6. The Form of Beauty To show each essential property, I am going to use ‘the Form of Beauty’ as an example.. I am using this picture to represent the form of beauty

7. Self-predication The Form of Beauty is itself beautiful

8. Self-predication Everything else is beautiful because it participates in the Form of Beauty

9. Self-predication Whereas, the form of beauty simply is beautiful, it is what it is in virtue of itself

10. Self-predication A thing is made beautiful when it participates with the form of beauty because the form is itself beautiful, beauty is transmitted to particulars

11. Perfection The form of beauty is a perfect example of itself, nothing can be more beautiful

12. Perfection Particular things can get close but can never reach the level of beauty that the form of beauty has

13. Independence (from particulars) A form is its own essence. Therefore, it is separate from particulars

14. Independence (from particulars) It doesn't even exist in time and space

15. Independence (from particulars) Also, because a Form is its own essence it is not essential for its particulars to participate with it for it to exist.

16. Independence (from particulars) I.e. if nothing was beautiful in the whole world, the Form of Beauty would still exist because it doesn’t require particular things for existence

17. Permanence Forms do not change at all!

18. Permanence If the Form of Beauty changed then it couldn’t have been perfect before, which is a contradiction

19. Simplicity The Forms are one

20. Simplicity Each Form only has one property/component. I.e. Beauty has beauty. Therefore there is simplicity

21. Superior Particular things are complex, changeable and imperfect

22. Superior Forms are the opposite

23. Superior Contrasting the two, the existence of the Forms is superior, they are in a way that particulars are not

24. World of Forms Plato asserts that there is a world of forms and one of particulars (our one) Plato says that properties particulars have are faded copies of the forms in their world

25. World of Forms Particulars can loose their properties (something can become less beautiful) And they rely on Forms and the world of forms for their existence

26. Form of the Good Every Form is meant to be Good However the ‘best of the best’ or ‘form of forms’ is the Form of Good