Author(s): ÃiÄdem YILDIZDÃKEN
In this study, Plato's view of knowledge is examined together with the Theory of Existence. The reason is that his view of knowledge is closely related to the view of existence. Therefore, we will first study his Theory of Ideas and then address his understanding of 'anamnesis', 'dialectics' in the acquisition of knowledge through related dialogues. In this context, primarily his Theaetetus dialogue, where he discusses his understanding of knowledge, and later his Republic dialogue, his ‘analogy of the divided line’ and the types of knowledge that was put forward by this analogy will be studied. Throughout the study, Plato’s view will be defended as the superiority of rational knowledge (episteme), which is acquired through the comprehension of the permanent, the unchangeable and the truth in comparison with the knowledge of senses (doxa), which is acquired based on the perception of existence and changes all the time. The reason for defending the supremacy of the mind against the senses is that the power of comprehension of the mind and the truth make it possible to reach the knowledge of the Ideas. Idea's knowledge is the science. This knowledge can only be reached after an intellectual preparation, that is, after the reasoning processes. Plato advocates the existence of sensible world, Ideas and intelligible world. However, there is a relationship between the sensible world and the existence in the cosmos. The human being take part in the sensible world, with having a share from the world of existence. The aim of the sensible world is to discover the cosmos, to comprehend the truth by recognizing his own cosmos hidden in his soul and exposing himself.
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