Single Idea 6900

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 6. Platonic Forms / b. Partaking]

Full Idea

If it were asserted that the Form of the Beautiful was itself beautiful, such a statement would require a prior understanding of the concept of beauty, so would immediately lead to an infinite regress, so the Forms can't be self-predicating.

Gist of Idea

A prior understanding of beauty is needed to assert that the Form of the Beautiful is beautiful

Source

Luke Westaway (talk [2005]), quoted by PG - Db (ideas)


A Reaction

This is a nice clear statement of the mess that Plato gets himself into if he wants the Forms to be self-predicating. Clearly the Form of the Beautiful can't be beautiful, but must be that which gives other things their beauty.