The father of idealism philosophy is often considered to be Plato. Born around 428 BC in Athens, Plato was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle. His contributions laid the groundwork for much of Western philosophy.
Plato’s idealism revolves around the theory of forms, where he posits that the material world is just a shadow of a more real, immutable world of ideas or forms. According to Plato, these forms are perfect and unchangeable, unlike the objects we perceive in our daily lives, which are subject to decay and imperfection.
Plato’s famous works, including ‘The Republic,’ explore themes of justice, beauty, and equality, and they delve into the nature of knowledge and reality. Through his dialogues, he argued that understanding the true essence of things—beyond their physical manifestations—is crucial for a philosopher.
Overall, Plato’s idealism encourages a focus on abstract ideas and moral values, influencing countless philosophers and shaping philosophical discourse for centuries.