Causes Quote by Peter Adamson

“Plato in his dialogue The Phaedo says that whereas sticks and stones are both equal and unequal, (so maybe what that means is that each stick is going to be equal to some other sticks and unequal to some other sticks, so equal to the stick on the left maybe but shorter than the stick on its right)…” quote by Peter Adamson — Download Open image

“Plato in his dialogue The Phaedo says that whereas sticks and stones are both equal and unequal, (so maybe what that means is that each stick is going to be equal to some other sticks and unequal to some other sticks, so equal to the stick on the left maybe but shorter than the stick on its right) the form of equal is going to be just equal, and it won't partake of inequality at all. And it will be the cause of equality in things that are equal, for example, equal sticks and stones.”

Peter Adamson

About This Quote

Source Book: The Phaedo by Plato, c. 385 BC

Plato argues that the abstract Form of Equality is perfect and unchanging, unlike particular objects that can be both equal and unequal.

In simple terms: The perfect idea of equality is constant, while real things can differ.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the distinction between ideal concepts and messy reality.

Themes

philosophy metaphysics logic

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

theoretical educational

When to use this quote

academic discussion
teaching philosophy
debating concepts

Key Concepts

Plato Form theory equality

Questions to Reflect On

How do we apply ideal standards to imperfect situations?
Can we ever achieve true equality?

A Different Perspective

Real-world objects rarely embody perfect equality.

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Cause Equality Causes Communication Dialogue Equal Equal Stick Equal Sticks Equality Example Form Inequality Left Mean Plato Sticks Sticks and stones Sticks Unequal Stones Unequal Sticks

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