Page 14 - GALIET PLATO´S PHAEDO: Reason and Idea Plato IV

First Argument (Knowledge of Forms is Recollection)19
a. b. c. d.
One knows Equality by perceiving with the senses equal things. (74b)
Equality differs from equal things perceived by the senses. (74b-c)
When perceiving object P and thinking of another object Q, one recollects (74 c-d) Therefore, one recollects knowledge of
Equality.
Second Argument (Recollection and knowledge of
Forms is pre-natal)20
a. One knows equal things as perceived by the senses are inferior or lesser of Equality. (74d)
b. If at t, one perceives object P and realizes it is inferior or falls short of Q
i. Then, before t, one had knowledge of Q. (74d-e)
c. Therefore, one must have had knowledge of Equality before having use of senses. (75b)
19 Both arguments amply discussed in Arts One.
20 As in the Meno, this is another rational attempt to prove the immortality of the soul.
• 14 •