387 BCE-present
Platonism centres on theory of Forms: eternal, unchanging, perfect archetypes existing independently of physical world.
Plato (428-348 BCE) founded Academy. Middle Platonism synthesised Plato. Neoplatonism developed mystical metaphysics. Christianity incorporated Platonic elements.
Plato, Middle Platonists, Neoplatonists: Plotinus, Christian Platonists: Augustine, contemporary mathematical Platonists.
Theory of Forms. Particulars as imperfect copies. Form of the Good. Knowledge versus opinion. Recollection. Immortality of soul. Cave allegory.
Founded Western philosophy’s rationalist tradition. Influenced Christianity. Shaped Neoplatonism and medieval philosophy. Mathematical realism.
