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Single Idea 359

[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 3. Innate Knowledge / b. Recollection doctrine ]

Full Idea

If someone sees a resemblance, but feels that it falls far short of the original, they must therefore have a recollection of the original.

Gist of Idea

If we feel the inadequacy of a resemblance, we must recollect the original

Source

Plato (Phaedo [c.382 BCE], 074e)

Book Ref

Plato: 'The Last Days of Socrates', ed/tr. Tredennick,Hugh [Penguin 1969], p.124


The 6 ideas with the same theme [knowledge as memories from a previous life]:

Seeking and learning are just recollection [Plato]
The slave boy learns geometry from questioning, not teaching, so it is recollection [Plato]
People are obviously recollecting when they react to a geometrical diagram [Plato]
If we feel the inadequacy of a resemblance, we must recollect the original [Plato]
The soul gets its goodness from god, and its evil from previous existence. [Plato]
We can't seek for things if we have no idea of them [Epicurus, by Diog. Laertius]