more from Plato

Single Idea 160

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 2. Invocation to Philosophy]

Full Idea

When I believe that I have found in anyone the ability to discuss unity and plurality as they exist in the nature of things, I follow his footsteps as if he was a god.

Clarification

This is the relationship between Forms and particulars

Gist of Idea

The highest ability in man is the ability to discuss unity and plurality in the nature of things

Source

Plato (Phaedrus [c.366 BCE], 266b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Phaedrus and Letters VII and VIII', ed/tr. Hamilton,Walter [Penguin 1973], p.82


A Reaction

This sounds like the problem of identity, which is at the heart of modern metaphysics.