Definitions for: Platonism

[n] the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names

Webster (1913) Definition: Pla"to*nism, n. [Cf. F. Platonisme.]
1. The doctrines or philosophy by Plato or of his followers.

Note: Plato believed God to be an infinitely wise, just, and
powerful Spirit; and also that he formed the visible
universe out of pre["e]xistent amorphous matter,
according to perfect patterns of ideas eternally
existent in his own mind. Philosophy he considered as
being a knowledge of the true nature of things, as
discoverable in those eternal ideas after which all
things were fashioned. In other words, it is the
knowledge of what is eternal, exists necessarily, and
is unchangeable; not of the temporary, the dependent,
and changeable; and of course it is not obtained
through the senses; neither is it the product of the
understanding, which concerns itself only with the
variable and transitory; nor is it the result of
experience and observation; but it is the product of
our reason, which, as partaking of the divine nature,
has innate ideas resembling the eternal ideas of God.
By contemplating these innate ideas, reasoning about
them, and comparing them with their copies in the
visible universe, reason can attain that true knowledge
of things which is called philosophy. Plato's professed
followers, the Academics, and the New Platonists,
differed considerably from him, yet are called
Platonists. --Murdock.

2. An elevated rational and ethical conception of the laws
and forces of the universe; sometimes, imaginative or
fantastic philosophical notions.

Synonyms: realism

See Also: philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory

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