the Theory of Forms

The Theory of Forms, proposed by Plato, suggests that beyond the physical world we see, there exists a world of perfect, unchanging ideas or "Forms." These Forms are the true and ultimate reality, representing the perfect versions of concepts like goodness, beauty, or justice. Physical objects are imperfect copies of these Forms. For example, any beautiful thing is just an approximation of the perfect idea of beauty. Understanding the Forms helps explain how we recognize things as beautiful or just—because our minds have access to these perfect, eternal concepts.