theory of forms

The theory of Forms, proposed by Plato, suggests that true reality consists of perfect, unchanging ideas or "Forms"—like perfect beauty, justice, or goodness—that exist beyond our physical world. The objects we see are imperfect copies or reflections of these perfect Forms. For example, all beautiful things are just imperfect instances of the perfect, eternal Form of Beauty. This theory helps explain why some things are considered truly valuable or ideal: they participate in the perfect Forms that are timeless and unchanging.