Are Forms Necessary for Discourse? An exploration of the relationship between the theory of forms and discourse in Plato's Parmenides

Essay from the year 2016 in the subject Philosophy - Philosophy of the Ancient World, grade: 73, Trinity College Dublin (Department of Philosophy), course: TSM Philosophy, language: English, abstract: To critically consider the claim that forms are necessary for discourse I will outline firstly the two interpretations of discourse that I will consider. I will then show that by its very definition my first interpretation is mutually reliant with the Theory of Forms showing that forms are necessary for this interpretation. I will then argue that my second interpretation of discourse is not reliant on forms given certain situations and qualifications. However this level of discourse is limited and in order to transcend a lower form of information exchange and discuss classes of objects, generalities and concepts, then, knowledge of a standardizing Theory of Forms is necessary. I will then discuss just how these findings establish a link between the Theory of Forms and the early dialogues with a focus on Hippias Major and how these findings aid the elucidation of the Theory of Forms that underlies the dialogue.