Third Man Argument

Definition

The Third Man Argument is a philosophical critique of Plato's Theory of Forms, which suggests that if a Form exists for each property (like 'largeness'), then there must be another Form to explain the relationship between the Form and the particular instances of that property. This leads to an infinite regress of Forms, challenging the coherence of Plato's notion of Forms and their nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Third Man Argument is found in Plato's dialogue 'Parmenides' where it is presented as a challenge to the Theory of Forms.
2. It highlights the difficulty in explaining how Forms relate to the physical world, suggesting that if every Form requires another Form, this could lead to an endless chain of Forms.
3. Aristotle is credited with formalizing the Third Man Argument as a major critique against Plato's theory, emphasizing its logical implications.
4. The argument raises questions about the nature of universals and whether abstract concepts can exist independently from particular instances.
5. This critique has influenced subsequent philosophical discussions regarding metaphysics and the existence of abstract objects.

Review Questions

• How does the Third Man Argument challenge Plato's Theory of Forms?
  • The Third Man Argument challenges Plato's Theory of Forms by proposing that if there is a Form for every quality, such as largeness, there must be a third Form to account for the relationship between the Form and the instances exhibiting that quality. This creates an infinite regress where each Form necessitates another Form, ultimately questioning the validity and practicality of Plato's concept of abstract Forms existing independently from particulars.
• Discuss Aristotle's critique of Plato's Theory of Forms as exemplified by the Third Man Argument.
  • Aristotle critiques Plato’s Theory of Forms through the lens of the Third Man Argument, arguing that it results in an infinite regress that undermines the utility of Forms. Aristotle posits that if a Form exists for every quality, this leads to more Forms being needed to explain their relationship to physical instances. This critique suggests that the existence of separate, non-material Forms does not sufficiently account for our understanding of reality and instead promotes a more unified understanding of substance and essence.
• Evaluate the implications of the Third Man Argument for contemporary discussions on metaphysics and universals.
  • The implications of the Third Man Argument extend into contemporary metaphysical discussions by raising essential questions about the nature and existence of universals. Philosophers continue to debate whether abstract entities can exist independently from concrete instances or whether they are mere constructs. This argument encourages critical evaluation of how we understand properties and their manifestations in reality, influencing positions like realism and nominalism in modern philosophy.

Related terms

Theory of Forms:

Plato's philosophical concept that non-material abstract forms, or ideas, are the true reality and that physical objects are merely shadows or imitations of these forms.

Infinite Regress: A sequence of reasoning or justification that can never come to an end, often seen as problematic in philosophical arguments.

Plato's Dialogues: A series of written works by Plato that feature Socratic dialogue exploring various philosophical concepts, including the Theory of Forms and critiques thereof.