Plato’s Conception of Knowledge

Plato’s epistemology is closely related to his metaphysics and ethics. The basic reason for this is that Plato thinks that knowledge (ἐπιστήµη)—in at least one of the senses in which he uses this word—requires explanation. Fully adequate explanation must refer to what is metaphysically primary. The Form of the Good is metaphysically primary. Hence, fully adequate explanation must be teleological. This paper endeavors to clarify these fundamental points through an examination of Plato’s treatment of knowledge in three dialogues: Meno, Theaetetus, and Republic.