Are we able to recognise it if we see it? Read on...?

Question

Speaking of the idea of forms, such as dealt with in Plato’s allegory of the cave. The prisoners see but a shadow of the true form and since knowing nothing else believe it to be the true form.

Keeping this in mind, If we were to see a perfect example of something, lets say a personal relationship, would we be able to recognise it?

Since we are surrounded and have grown up in a world where imperfect systems are the norm. and every situation could hold some form of treachery with every friend having the possibility of holding a knife behind your back, would we be able to go "Ahh, that is the way that things should be"? Or would we not be able to see the forest for the trees?

Would we be able to recognise it if we see it?

Serious answers only please.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Our understanding of correlation between form and content is empirical.... we correlate based on past experience.... even if we use any logic, the logic itself is firmed up based on past repetitions.

Therefore, it is safe to presume that we have no inherent power to recognise based on form... whenever we do recognise correctly based on the form, it is merely because of some sort of repetition of a past. The most important question whether there is at all a firm correlation between form and content, is itself not clear enough, because there are umpteen cases of our getting deceived by the form.

Answer 2

I think there will never be a perfect relationship and anyone that has seen a perfect relationship is describing some one that has found a perfect way of dealing with the imperfections.


We each have our strengths and our weaknesses. When two people have their weaknesses and strengths mesh like fine machinery then they are spoken of as having a perfect relationship. I have never met such people, close, but there was always some friction in the cogs.

An ideal situation has never existed. Mankind has a penchant for war. We are the predators. We have eyes in the front of our heads not the sides of our heads like prey. We are warriors as a species. and the part of us that is always on edge and looking out for our fellow predators is the part that is creative, on edge, trying to be one step ahead and always inventing a novel product.

We can't see perfect, nor can we describe it. We have not the words or the experience to do so.

Answer 3

there are many people chasing after visions of success that we might deem improper. At least by improper means. They don't seem to recognize what they've seen. But perhaps they've/ we've just never seen a perfect example. Or they know that they're being bad.

I think he went on to mention a person with right knowledge and no bias, but again what is right knowledge?

As any murder mystery, we can never be sure, there's always a twist at the end. Maybe the best reason to be cautious in all our endevours.

Answer 4

......what is a system and what is the norm why can't we see the tree lost in the ideas of the forest? Our Idea's, our beliefs....the chaos theory complete? Is it all distraction, all smoke and mirrors man made complete!?

What is perfection? Do we strive for imperfection, the evidence tends to donate itself to this more than ever, does it stimulate our senses? Is Rivalry and self-destructive behavior more addictive than any man made drug?

The larger the forest the more lonely and cut off one individual tree feels...individual ideas suppressed, conformity to the mass statistics idolized! I think we recognize it...in our hearts we see it, we just lazily go along with the popular, sensationalized pop-culture.

Answer 5

I think that our ability to see the 'real thing' in ANY situation diminishes almost daily due to the imperfect examples you mentioned.
Also, because media (TV programs) show faked perfect situations / examples - that ability is further weakened.

So, would we be able to recognize it? I doubt it sincerely, unless the person doing the recognizing is exceptionally gifted.

Answer 6

I think that is different for different people. some people have gotten wise about those things, and some people still havent had enough life lessons to recognize things like that yet

Answer 7

If you are open to it you would know it was so .You would stand in awe. Most would not believe it , they would look for the flaw. You have to listen with your heart , feel with your gut and trust in what you know to be.