Platonic realism is a metaphysical theory of universals, maintaining that universals have a mode of being that is independent of the experiential mode of being. It is founded largely on the works of Plato, partly inspired by the teachings of the Pythagoreans, though it is but one aspect of both those philosophies. A due appreciation of this position depends on understanding that the relation being independent of is not the same thing as the relation being exclusive of or the relation being separate from.

Platonic realism is also commonly referred to as simply Plato's theory of universals, just Platonism, or just realism. The latter two terms are problematic: the term realism has several meanings both in philosophical and in non-philosophical fields and the term Platonism refers to the entire philosophy of Plato and is often synonymous with Platonic idealism. The two terms are common shorthand, nevertheless, in certain contexts where they are understood.

The theory is expounded in The Republic and elsewhere, notably in the Phaedo, the Phaedrus, the Meno, and the Parmenides.

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anybody know about john mcdowell's critique of moral platonism? huh? wanna help a girl out? non-cognitivism ring any bells?
rosepants (Rose) Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:15:43 -0000
anybody know about john mcdowell's critique of moral platonism? huh? wanna help a girl out? non-cognitivism ring any bells?
Newton would have recalled people to pre-Platonism philosophy as Heidegger did.
kimarx (Kim, YiChul 金利哲) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:02:40 -0000
Newton would have recalled people to pre-Platonism philosophy as Heidegger did.
AAAARG: Questioning Platonism: continental interpretations of Plato [available at: dspace.sunyconnect.... http://bit.ly/5Ctf4N #SocioTweets
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