Platonicism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The philosophical view that abstract entities such as numbers, forms, or universal concepts possess real existence independent of physical objects or human minds
2. A metaphysical position holding that non-physical abstractions like mathematical truths and ideal forms have objective reality beyond the material world
3. The belief that universal ideas and abstract objects exist as real entities that are not dependent on physical matter or individual perception

Etymology: "Platonicism" is simply "Platonic" with the suffix "-ism" attached. The root is the name of the Greek philosopher Plato, whose dialogues explored ideas such as the forms, or unchanging ideal patterns that stand behind the objects we perceive. Adjectives built on his name, such as "Platonic," were then turned into nouns by adding "-ism," the ending that English uses to name a doctrine, system of belief, or practice. The result names the body of ideas associated with Plato and his followers. The same suffix produced words like "Aristotelianism" and "Kantianism," so the word belongs to a familiar family of philosophical labels. Its meaning is essentially the doctrine itself, rather than any single idea within it.

Synonyms: Platonism, idealism

Antonyms: materialism, empiricism