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This is derived from Socrates' belief that one's soul existed in past lives and knowledge is transferred from those lives to the current one. "These [ideas] were revealed in a former state of existence, and are recovered by reminiscence (anamnesis) or association from sensible things" [3]. The claim is that one does not need to know what knowledge is before gaining knowledge, but rather one has a wealth of knowledge before ever gaining any experience.
In Meno, Plato's character (and old teacher) Socrates is challenged by Meno with what has become known as the sophistic paradox, or the paradox of knowledge:
Meno: And how are you going to search for [the nature of virtue] when you don't know at all what it is, Socrates? Which of all the things you don't know will you set up as target for your search? And even if you actually come across it, how will you know that it is that thing which you don't know?[1]
In other words, if you don't know any of the attributes, properties, and/or other descriptive markers of any kind that help signify what something is (physical or otherwise), you won't recognize it, even if you actually come across it. And, as consequence, if the converse is true, and you do know the attributes, properties and/or other descriptive markers of this thing, then you shouldn't need to seek it out at all. The result of this line of thinking is that, in either instance, there is no point trying to gain that "something"; in the case of Plato's aforementioned work, there is no point in seeking knowledge.
Socrates' response is to develop his theory of anamnesis. He suggests that the soul is immortal, and repeatedly incarnated; knowledge is actually in the soul from eternity (86b), but each time the soul is incarnated its knowledge is forgotten in the shock of birth. What one perceives to be learning, then, is actually the recovery of what one has forgotten. (Once it has been brought back it is true belief, to be turned into genuine knowledge by understanding.) And thus Socrates (and Plato) sees himself, not as a teacher, but as a midwife, aiding with the birth of knowledge that was already there in the student.
The theory is illustrated by Socrates asking a slave boy questions about geometry. At first the boy gives the wrong answer; when this is pointed out to him, he is puzzled, but by asking questions Socrates is able to help him to reach the true answer. This is intended to show that, as the boy wasn't told the answer, he could only have reached the truth by recollecting what he had already known but forgotten.
What else can I help you with?
Who was the Greek philosopher who believed knowledge is inborn?
Plato, a Greek philosopher, believed that knowledge is inborn and that people are born with innate ideas that they recollect through learning and experience. The theory of innate knowledge is known as the theory of recollection.
What is Plato's theory on innate ideas and how does it influence his philosophy?
Plato believed that humans are born with innate knowledge and ideas that are not learned through experience. This theory, known as the theory of recollection, influenced his philosophy by shaping his views on the nature of reality, the existence of eternal truths, and the importance of seeking knowledge through introspection and reasoning.
What philosopher concluded that one's character is inherited and that certain ideas are inborn?
Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, proposed the idea of innate knowledge in his theory of recollection. He believed that certain ideas are ingrained in the soul and that one's character is influenced by their inherent qualities passed down through past lives.
Which two philosophers believed that innate knowledge is discovered through logic?
Plato and René Descartes believed that innate knowledge can be discovered through logical reasoning. Plato argued that knowledge is recollection of the forms, while Descartes believed in innate ideas that can be accessed through reason and doubt.
How did Plato and Aristotle disagree?
Plato believed in the existence of universal Forms or Ideas, while Aristotle rejected this view and instead focused on observable natural phenomena. Plato emphasized the importance of reason and intellectual contemplation, while Aristotle valued empirical evidence and practical knowledge. Additionally, Plato's theory of knowledge involved innate ideas and recollection, while Aristotle's theory of knowledge emphasized sense perception and induction.
Who was the Greek philosopher who believed knowledge is inborn?
Plato, a Greek philosopher, believed that knowledge is inborn and that people are born with innate ideas that they recollect through learning and experience. The theory of innate knowledge is known as the theory of recollection.
What is Plato's theory on innate ideas and how does it influence his philosophy?
Plato believed that humans are born with innate knowledge and ideas that are not learned through experience. This theory, known as the theory of recollection, influenced his philosophy by shaping his views on the nature of reality, the existence of eternal truths, and the importance of seeking knowledge through introspection and reasoning.
What philosopher concluded that one's character is inherited and that certain ideas are inborn?
Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, proposed the idea of innate knowledge in his theory of recollection. He believed that certain ideas are ingrained in the soul and that one's character is influenced by their inherent qualities passed down through past lives.
Which two philosophers believed that innate knowledge is discovered through logic?
Plato and René Descartes believed that innate knowledge can be discovered through logical reasoning. Plato argued that knowledge is recollection of the forms, while Descartes believed in innate ideas that can be accessed through reason and doubt.
How did Plato and Aristotle disagree?
Plato believed in the existence of universal Forms or Ideas, while Aristotle rejected this view and instead focused on observable natural phenomena. Plato emphasized the importance of reason and intellectual contemplation, while Aristotle valued empirical evidence and practical knowledge. Additionally, Plato's theory of knowledge involved innate ideas and recollection, while Aristotle's theory of knowledge emphasized sense perception and induction.
Did John Locke believe in Plato's theory of Innate Ideas?
No, John Locke rejected Plato's theory of innate ideas. Locke believed that the mind at birth is a blank slate (tabula rasa) and that knowledge comes from experience through the senses. He argued that all knowledge is derived from sensory perception and reflection on our experiences.
2 believed that children are born with everything they need to know and learning is simply the act of remembering these in-born thoughts and ideas?
This perspective aligns with the theory of innate knowledge, often associated with philosophers like Plato. It suggests that individuals are born with pre-existing knowledge that is gradually uncovered through learning experiences. The theory implies that learning is a process of recollection rather than acquiring completely new information.
What does socrates mean by recollection?
Socrates believed that knowledge is innate and that we remember it through the process of recollection, triggered by our experiences in the physical world. Recollection involves the soul's remembering of eternal truths it knew before birth, as discussed in Plato's dialogues.
What has the author James H Walker written?
James H. Walker has written: 'The perception contrast of the Socratic theory of recollection with the ideas of Husserl's phenomenology' -- subject(s): Idealism, Phenomenology
What are innate ideas and how do they differ from acquired ideas?
Innate ideas are thoughts or knowledge that are believed to be present in the mind from birth, without the need for prior experience or learning. Acquired ideas, on the other hand, are gained through experience, education, or interaction with the environment. The main difference is that innate ideas are considered to be inherent, while acquired ideas are learned over time.
Which philosopher believed that you can use logical or rational thinking to discover core ideas buried within the human soul?
Plato, a philosopher in ancient Greece, believed that humans have innate knowledge and that through the practice of dialectic – a method of reasoning and discussion – one can uncover these core ideas or forms that are buried within the human soul. Plato's theory of recollection suggests that true knowledge is not acquired through experience, but through remembering what the soul had already known prior to birth.
What are the three classification Descartes gives to his ideas?
Descartes classifies his ideas into three types: innate ideas (inborn and a priori knowledge), adventitious ideas (acquired through sensory experience), and factitious ideas (formed by humans based on combinations of innate and adventitious ideas).
