What does platonism mean?
Platonism is a philosophical doctrine associated with Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher. It holds that reality is fundamentally grounded in eternal, intelligible Forms, rather than solely in the changing material world of ordinary experience. In modern usage, the term can also refer more broadly to idealist philosophies that treat abstract or universal principles as more fundamental than particular, observable things. The word is commonly encountered in histories of ancient philosophy, discussions of metaphysics, and comparisons with Aristotle and later Neoplatonism. Its association with Plato can lend it an intellectual and elevated tone, while discussions of “Platonic” love and “Platonic” ideals use related vocabulary in a more figurative sense. Knowing the word helps distinguish a specific philosophical tradition from the broader modern label “idealism” and from “Platonic” as an adjective. It is also a useful reminder that arguments about appearance and reality have a long history.
nounPlatonism is the philosophical doctrine associated with Plato, especially the view that reality is grounded in eternal and intelligible Forms rather than only in the changing material world. More broadly, it can refer to idealist philosophies that treat abstract or universal principles as more fundamental than particular things.
- The philosophical system and doctrines associated with Plato, especially the theory of Forms.
- A broader idealist philosophy that treats abstract, universal, or immaterial principles as more fundamental than particular observable things.
"The seminar examined how Platonism differs from Aristotle's account of the natural world."
"Her interpretation of beauty was deeply informed by Platonism."
"The article uses Platonism broadly to describe any philosophy that places abstract ideas above material reality."
The plural is uncommon and is used when referring to different versions, interpretations, or forms of Platonism.
"The book compares several platonicisms that developed under the influence of Christianity and later mysticism."
Platonism asks whether the changing world we see is reality itself—or merely its imperfect shadow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does platonism come from?
The English word was formed in the early 17th century from French Platonisme and roots associated with Plato. Its linguistic family includes Platonic, Platonist, and Platonize, all built from the same Greek combining form connected with Plato. The term developed within European philosophical and religious writing as a name for Plato's teachings and their later interpretations.
Related word forms
How platonism is actually used
Platonism is primarily formal and philosophical. It usually refers to Plato's doctrines specifically, but writers may use it more broadly for later idealist traditions; related terms such as Neoplatonism and Christian Platonism identify distinct developments within the wider history of the tradition.
Easily confused with platonism
Platonism names a philosophical doctrine or tradition, whereas Platonic is an adjective meaning related to Plato or Plato's philosophy and can also refer to idealized, nonphysical affection.