Plato, the philosopher is famous for his great thinking He was born in Athens around 428 BC in a family environment that is considered to have high political power in the government. Many of his legendary works have been references for centuries but still exist today.
In almost all of his works, Plato often brings the name of his teacher, Socrates, to express his thoughts. Although not infrequently, Socrates' existence in his work becomes satire. So whose idea did Plato actually write?
Plato's discourses and reflections were so brilliant that he was able to explain his philosophical ideas about many things, such as nature, living things, so that society became the focus of his thinking.
In Plato's thought, material form is not the main object in life. However, there are other factors that influence why something happens and it is sometimes difficult to explain rationally. Especially his ideas related to the world of ideas, the absolute form of all forms that exist in the universe.
In contrast to the perishable and perishable world of matter, Plato's world of Ideas offers an immortal and immortal form. In this regard, too, many philosophers have regarded Plato's philosophical project as "metaphysical dualism." The notion of a "perfect" form in Plato's world of ideas projects not only material things but also ontological orders that lead to a clear understanding of knowledge.
For example, Plato imagined that knowledge was in the form of an isosceles triangle, that is, one that had three perfectly straight lines and an angle of exactly 180 degrees. However, a triangle drawn by a person, even though he uses technical instruments, is still a little flawed. Not to mention, triangles drawn in the form of material have a tendency to be damaged, faded, and even destroyed.
Not only that, but Plato also applies the theory of absolute ideas to all living things, including humans. Plato saw humans as not only consisting of physical forms which are often called bodies. He divides man into three elements, namely Ephitumia (passions), Thumos (spirit), and Logostikon (intellectual).
First, Ephitumia is described as a part of the body from the stomach down which always prioritizes the fulfillment of physical pleasures, such as eating, drinking, sex, and so on. Second, Thumos had a thirst for honor and dignity. Meanwhile, the third is Logostikon, which is always looking for truth and knowledge.
According to Plato, it is important to keep these three elements in balance and harmony in order to achieve the ideal happiness of the soul. Plato is often considered selfish because he humiliates the body's passions by always prioritizing knowledge and intellect. He presupposes worldly lust as a multi-headed being devouring himself. Plato was always reminded of how important it is to control your passions and be wiser.
Therefore, these three elements must always run in balance and synergize with each other. In this case, Thumos can be a good bridge if it is actually applied in life. So, are the ideal human principles that Plato aspired to still be found in the modern era like now?
The era of social media as it is today can be the best representation for humans to carry out acts of narcissism. The desire to always be praised and worshiped like a god. Carrying out consumptive laws in all aspects. Starting from spending on excessive clothing, food, property, and other lifestyles that are not always needed.
Humans today, unconsciously fall into the trap of the world of seduction and artificial happiness. Submitting to worldly lust and completely surrendering his life to the net of capitalism. Many people impose this desire by justifying all means. Stealing, robbing, and even cheating have become normal in order to fulfill a mortal existence.
The sheen of modernity which is more in the form of consumerism may be one of the tests from the gods to humans. To what extent can wisdom and knowledge be obtained and applied properly.
As Socrates put it in Plato's Dialogue, "Life is untested, unworthy of life". And human now, enjoying the test is like living life in the Garden of Eden.
Good post is a blessing to make the future better