Abstract

This paper examines three questions regarding Plato’s epistemology: What are the objects of knowledge? How do we gain knowledge? And when (if ever) can we attain such knowledge? I argue the Phaedrus offers us answers to each of these questions: first, that it is the Forms—and only the Forms—that constitute the proper objects of knowledge; second, that knowledge of the Forms consists in a direct ‘seeing’ or acquaintance, and not a propositional or discursive account; and third, that such knowledge is not attainable in this life, and is attainable only in the soul’s discarnate state.