The divided line is a visual metaphor for Plato’s ontological (and epistemological) view of the Universe. Reality is divided into two basic parts: the invisible, unchanging realm of universals (or Ideas also sometimes called Forms), and the visible, ever-changing realm of particulars (i.e., physical objects).

The main theme of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in the Republic is that human perception cannot derive true knowledge, and instead, real knowledge can only come via philosophical reasoning. In Plato’s example, prisoners live their entire lives in a cave, only able to see shadows. To them, these shadows are reality.

He describe just like the way we are living right now. We need more knowledge outside for us to understand. So , the prisoners need more knowledge outside the cave because their knowledge in there is not enough. They need to go outside for them to beleive the truth.

Thus, in appropriating the pre-Socratic concept of element, Plato labels it with the classical term stoicheion, which was to be translated into Latin as elementum.

Plato believed that true reality is not found through the senses. Phenomenon is that perception of an object which we recognize through our senses. Plato believed that phenomena are fragile and weak forms of reality. They do not represent an object’s true essence.

In basic terms, Plato’s Theory of Forms asserts that the physical world is not really the ‘real’ world; instead, ultimate reality exists beyond our physical world. Plato’s philosophy asserts that there are two realms: the physical realm and the spiritual realm.

So Plato is a realist about Platonic Forms. Mathematical realists believe numbers do in fact exist. Plato’s view stands in contrast to Aristotle’s view — which while also realist with respect to forms does not think the forms exist as ideas.

Plato can be called an idealist because of his ‘theory of the forms’, better translated as ‘thought forms’ or ‘ideas. Plato’s Symposium dialogue discusses lower forms of love and beauty, and ascends from physical copies of noetic, more pure beauty to ‘The Good and the Beautiful’ itself.

Idealism is the metaphysical view that associates reality to ideas in the mind rather than to material objects. It lays emphasis on the mental or spiritual components of experience, and renounces the notion of material existence.

1 The INFP personality type is often described as an “idealist” or “mediator” personality. People with this kind of personality tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative and driven by high values. Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell. INFPs also have strong interests in making the world a better place.