In order to understand a certain philosopher’s way of thinking, it is important to have a little bit of schema on his life as well as his influences along the way. Plato was born in Athens approximately near the time of 428 B.C. He was thought to be taught by some of the most prestigious educators which more than likely influenced his interest in the study of metaphysics (study of nature) and epistemology (study of knowledge). Plato was fortunate enough to meet the Greek philosopher Socrates. They even became close confidants and Socrates was a powerful mentor to Plato. Socrates was known for his great personality and character. When Socrates proposed an argument he never lectured, but rather he would be open to other opinions and ideas.
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In order to truly understand knowledge and all that it involves it is important to understand how it works against opinion. Knowledge involves truth. Even if we become convinced that something we claim to know is false, we retract the claim and we can use the new information as new learned knowledge. Believing or having opinions differ with knowledge entirely. It is quite possible to believe something false. Believing does not necessarily involve truth. One factor that can interfere with an obvious distinction between knowledge and opinion is the art of persuasion. Take anyone that has ever tried to sell you something for example. They may tell you it is the best product in the world, but they may not actually believe it themselves. Salesman use their charm to reel you in just for their own benefit. A quote by Socrates that really seemed to illustrate my point appropriately is as followed, “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.” Ultimately a good decision is one that is backed up with reasons, rather than one that just appears to be true because of false evidence. Without prior knowledge, opinion or belief is at the mercy of every persuasive speaker that comes along. Not everyone clearly understands the points Plato is trying to make regarding knowledge and opinion because it is almost impossible to make an argument only consisting of strictly knowledge and no bias
In order to truly understand knowledge and all that it involves it is important to understand how it works against opinion. Knowledge involves truth. Even if we become convinced that something we claim to know is false, we retract the claim and we can use the new information as new learned knowledge. Believing or having opinions differ with knowledge entirely. It is quite possible to believe something false. Believing does not necessarily involve truth. One factor that can interfere with an obvious distinction between knowledge and opinion is the art of persuasion. Take anyone that has ever tried to sell you something for example. They may tell you it is the best product in the world, but they may not actually believe it themselves. Salesman use their charm to reel you in just for their own benefit. A quote by Socrates that really seemed to illustrate my point appropriately is as followed, “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.” Ultimately a good decision is one that is backed up with reasons, rather than one that just appears to be true because of false evidence. Without prior knowledge, opinion or belief is at the mercy of every persuasive speaker that comes along. Not everyone clearly understands the points Plato is trying to make regarding knowledge and opinion because it is almost impossible to make an argument only consisting of strictly knowledge and no bias