plato theory of forms
The theory of Forms is essential to the Republic and without it, Plato’s arguments crumble. This theory is very fragmented, with parts of it scattered throughout the book which is one of the reasons that this theory is difficult to understand. Some even question if the theory exists at all. I believe that the theory certainly does exist, even though it does have some weak points. ... One of the theory’s weaknesses is that it has circularity. In order to acknowledge the Forms, one needs to believe that they exist. Plato however, claims that he knows they exist. He maintains this because it is the Forms that allow him to do just that—know and think.