P8 • Plato's Episteme, the Tetraktys of Principles, and the Soul's Methexis

¶8 • Pilcrow to Eternity

Plato's Episteme • the Tetraktys of Principles • Soul's Methexis

Epistemology seeks to understand one or another kind of cognitive success (or, correspondingly, cognitive failure).

Plato’s epistemology was an attempt to understand what it was to know, and how knowledge (unlike mere true opinion) is good for the knower. In the context of his philosophy, "episteme" refers to true knowledge or understanding that is based on reason and intellect rather than mere opinion or perception.

Locke’s epistemology was an attempt to understand the operations of human understanding, Kant’s epistemology was an attempt to understand the conditions of the possibility of human understanding, and Russell’s epistemology was an attempt to understand how modern science could be justified by appeal to sensory experience.

"Episteme" involves a deep, intellectual comprehension of the Forms and their interrelations. The pursuit of "episteme" is fundamental, emphasizing the importance of reason, dialectic, and the study of the Forms in attaining genuine understanding and wisdom.

Platonic Epistêmê :
- requires a reasoning out of the cause or explanation (aitias logismos, Meno 98a)
- entails the ability to give a definition, or verbal account (Phaedo 76b, Rep. 534b, etc.)
- is extremely rare (esp. Republic V: only philosophers have it)
- cannot be transmitted by testimony (Theaetetus 201c, Meno passim, Rep. 518b-c)
- is more than well-grounded true belief (Meno 85c-d)
- can only be had of things that are themselves stable (Philebus 59a-b)
- is of Forms by contrast with perceptibles (Republic V-VII, Timaeus, Philebus)
Notes of Jessica Moss [pdf]

For Plato, true knowledge is contrasted with "doxa," which refers to mere opinion or belief based on sensory perception. True knowledge is not derived from the material world but is rather a recollection or remembering of the eternal truths apprehended by the intellect.

Mr. Stavros Papamarinopoulos, a contemporary philosopher and one of the Hellenic masterminds we 'have'  in our present-time, mentioned the Phaedro 277.b.5 & 277.c.3 passages of Plato's dialogue (bookshelf link) when he referred to the 4 principles of Plato's Episteme. [youTube video]

[277b] Socrates ends his point from 277a with the following words "I think we have shown pretty clearly what is and what is not a work of art. [...] A man must know the truth about all the particular things of which he speaks or writes, and must be able to define everything separately; then when he has defined them, he must know how to divide them by classes until further division is impossible; and in the same way he must understand the nature of the soul,

[277c] must find out the class of speech adapted to each nature, and must arrange and adorn his discourse accordingly, offering to the complex soul elaborate and harmonious discourses, and simple talks to the simple soul. Until he has attained to all this, he will not be able to speak by the method of art, so far as speech can be controlled by method, either for purposes of instruction or of persuasion. This has been taught by our whole preceding discussion.

Plato distinguished between different levels of knowledge, placing "episteme" at the highest level.

In Plato's "Republic," for example, the allegory of the divided line illustrates the hierarchy of knowledge. At the top of the divided line is the "episteme," representing the realm of the highest, unchanging Forms or Ideas. These Forms, according to Plato, are the eternal and unchanging realities that underlie the transient and changing world of appearances.

Platonic epistemology emphasizes the importance of understanding the forms and the world of timeless essences, and the 4 principles of examination, division, taxonomy, and numbering are methods employed in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, thus play a crucial role for the intellectual ascent.

ত The 4 principles of Platonic Episteme :

❈ Examination (Εξέτασις) : refers to the process of examining & scrutinizing  ideas, concepts, or phenomena to gain a deeper understanding of their  nature and truth. In Platonic epistemology, examination is an essential  step in the process of recalling and understanding the forms, which are  the ultimate realities and sources of knowledge.

❈ Division (Διαίρεσης): Division is the process of breaking down complex ideas or concepts into their simpler parts to better understand their structure and relationships. This principle is closely related to the first principle of examination, as it helps to reveal the underlying unity and multiplicity of ideas.

❈ Taxonomy (Τάξις): Taxonomy, or the classification of things, is the arrangement of ideas or concepts in a hierarchical order based on their properties and relationships. This principle is essential for organizing knowledge and understanding the structure of the universe, as it allows us to see the interconnectedness of different ideas and concepts.

❈ Numbering (Αρίθμησις): Numbering, or the assignment of numbers to ideas or concepts, is a way of quantifying and measuring the relationships between them. This principle is important in Platonic epistemology, as it helps to determine the essence and value of ideas and concepts, allowing us to compare and contrast them more effectively

 

These principles are part of Plato's dialectical method, aimed at reaching the highest form of knowledge or "episteme." They can be regarded as pillars of his epistemological framework and as such i cannot help myself but correlate them to Tetraktys which is a symbol of quintessential-ism and core-structure.

Both Platonic & Pythagorean frameworks seek to unveil underlying truths and principles through systematic examination, classification, and ordering.

The Pythagorean principles lay the groundwork for understanding fundamental truths, preparing the conceptual landscape for Plato's exploration of the nature of genuine understanding.

꘏ [a] Tetraktys of Episteme's Principles ꘏

❈ Examination (Anamnesis) and the Monad/Monás (One)

The Platonic Examination involves the process of recollection or remembering eternal truths. The Pythagorean Monad, representing unity in tetraktys, aligns with the foundational and singular nature of truths that can be examined and remembered.

 

Iamblichus, a philosopher that is probably the ultimate fusion of Neoplatonism & Pythagoreanism, positioned the Monad at the head of his system, from which emanates the Nous (intellect, or demiurge) and the psyche. His concept of the Monad as the "Principle of Intellection" underscores its role as the foundation of knowledge and the intelligible order.

 

❈ Division (Dichotomy) and the Dyad/Dyás (Two)

Platonic Division, as a method of analysis and distinction, correlates with the Dyad in the Pythagorean tetraktys, symbolizing duality & separation, and reflects the dualistic nature inherent in the process of division to discern differences.

Iamblichus considers the Dyad as a fundamental and essential principle. He highlights its role as the source of life, as it is the Fount or Center of things, and through its productive powers, it generates and sustains the universe

 

❈ Taxonomy (Division into Kinds) and the Triad/Triás (Three)

Platonic Taxonomy involves the systematic classification of entities into kinds or categories and aligns with the Pythagorean Triad in the tetraktys, symbolizing the synthesis and harmonization of diverse elements, akin to the systematic classification in taxonomy.

 

Iamblichus distinguishes first three purely intelligible triads, then three intellectual ones, thus forming the noetic enneatical series and the noeric. He thought the intelligible realm to be a triad, consisting of Being, Life, and Intellect, all three with a predicate “intelligible”.

 

❈ Numbering (Arithmos) and the Tetrad/Tetrás (Four)

Platonic Numbering, as a method of assigning numerical order, corresponds to the Tetrad in the Pythagorean tetraktys which signifies the foundational principle of numerical order and completeness. Numbering, similarly, involves the organization and ordering of elements into a coherent numerical system.

 

Iamblichus considered the Tetrad as a key element in the hierarchical arrangement of principles. The tetrad comprehends the principle of soul, as well as that of corporeality; for they say that a living creature is ensouled in the same way that the whole universe is arranged, according to harmony.

꘏ The Soul's Methexis ꘏

Building on the symbolic and metaphysical connections between Platonic epistemology and the Pythagorean tetraktys, the focus shifts to our core, which is the Soul, and its connection to Episteme.
 

Plato drew a sharp distinction between knowledge, which is certain and derived from the world of timeless Forms, and mere true opinion, which is not certain and derived from the shifting world of sensation.

His theory of knowledge is based on the reminiscence of the soul of its former existence, for the soul is before all things and has first-hand knowledge of the world of Pure Forms, thus In Platonic epistemology the soul plays a crucial role in the acquisition of knowledge.

 

He describes the soul as divine intelligence nurtured upon true knowledge and defines the soul as :

• the bearer of moral properties
• the source of life and the mind 
• it is both a mover and a thinker
• it is immortal and pre-exists before birth
• has direct knowledge of the Forms, including the Form of the Good and perfect knowledge of Ideas.

In Plato's theory of knowledge, the soul is intimately connected to the acquisition and recollection of knowledge, and the process of learning is the rediscovery of the eternal truths already contained within the soul.

The soul's connection to the world of Forms allows for the attainment of true knowledge, which is essential for the philosophical understanding of reality and the attainment of wisdom.

Plato's epistemology involves several key methods or approaches aimed at connecting us with the Forms and attaining true knowledge (episteme). These methods, by extension, offer a deeper understanding of reality and the world around us.

 

The following list is a mere "mention" of Plato's methods,
hoping to offer a holistic view of Platonic Methexis.

❈ Dialectic (Dialektike)
Dialectic is a method of philosophical inquiry and discussion. It involves the exchange of ideas and arguments between individuals to arrive at a deeper understanding of the truth.

The dialectical process is intended to uncover and clarify fundamental concepts and principles. Through dialogue, individuals engage in a cooperative search for knowledge, gradually refining their understanding.

❈ Socratic Method
Named after Plato's teacher, Socrates, this method involves posing a series of questions to an interlocutor. The interlocutor is encouraged to think critically and arrive at conclusions through their own reasoning.

The Socratic method aims to stimulate critical thinking and self-discovery. By questioning assumptions and exploring implications, individuals move towards a more profound understanding of concepts.

❈ Anamnesis (Recollection)
Plato proposes the idea that true knowledge is innate within the soul and can be recollected through a process called anamnesis. According to this notion, the soul, before entering the material world, has knowledge of eternal truths.

Anamnesis is a method for accessing the pre-existing knowledge within the soul. Through philosophical inquiry and reflection, individuals can recollect and rediscover these eternal truths.

❈ Allegory
Plato often employs allegorical storytelling to convey philosophical ideas. Allegories are narratives with symbolic meanings that convey deeper truths.

Allegories serve to communicate complex philosophical concepts in a more accessible and engaging manner. Plato's Allegory of the Cave, for example, illustrates the journey from ignorance to enlightenment.

❈ Division (Dichotomy)
Plato frequently uses the method of division to analyze and classify concepts. This involves breaking down complex ideas into simpler components to better understand their nature.

Division aids in the systematic exploration of concepts, helping to discern distinctions and relationships. It contributes to a more precise understanding of abstract ideas.

❈ Ideal Forms (Theory of Forms)
Plato's theory of Forms posits that the material world is an imperfect reflection of a higher realm of eternal, unchanging Forms. The method involves contemplating these ideal Forms to gain true knowledge.

By focusing on the transcendent Forms, individuals can move beyond the illusions of the material world and access the realm of unchanging and perfect truths.

❈ Mathematical Reasoning
Plato places significant emphasis on mathematical reasoning as a path to understanding the nature of reality. Mathematics, particularly geometry, is viewed as a means to access universal and eternal truths.

Mathematical reasoning provides a disciplined and precise method for exploring abstract concepts. Plato believes that the study of mathematics trains the mind to grasp the nature of the Forms.

꘏

These methods collectively contribute to Plato's epistemological framework, guiding us in the pursuit of true knowledge and the apprehension of eternal truths. The dialogical nature of Plato's works often involves a dynamic interplay of these methods as characters engage in philosophical discussions and inquiries.

Continue your journey along the edges of concepts and the vertices of contexts, where the nuances of thought paint the canvas of understanding.

Until our intellectual paths converge once more, may your contemplations be as vivid as brushstrokes on the canvas of wisdom.

DISCLAIMER :  ¶8 philosophical constellations are mindfully qreated, in hopes to pollinate intellectual smiles and spark your Spirit as you noetically journey on the conceptual edges and contemplate on the contextual vertices.

This is my second article with this intent. I've already set the next-level of qreation but i need to crystalize the quality of the current ground-floor.
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¶8 Articles :

Ontology - existential philosophy.
Synthesis • "Hellenic Ontology of Psyche" .

 

Teleology - Aristotle's philosophy of Cosmic Tapestry.

Synthesis • "Cosmic Meta-Logistics" .

 

Available readings on Bookshelf :

Plato's Dialogues - index

 

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