Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
Platonism
Noun
/ˈpleɪtəˌnɪzəm/
Definition
Platonism is a philosophical doctrine that views reality as consisting of abstract entities, and emphasizes the idea that these entities exist independently of the physical world.
Examples
- Platonism suggests that truths exist in a realm beyond our physical experience.
- Many mathematicians adopt a Platonist view, believing that mathematical objects exist independently of human thought.
- The influence of Platonism can be seen in various philosophical debates regarding the nature of existence.
Meaning
It is named after the ancient philosopher Plato, who proposed that the material world is a shadow of a higher reality of forms or ideas.
Synonyms
- Idealism
- Realism
- Philosophical realism
