Plato's philosophical views on reason, which he exalted to the highest realms of being, come to life in the modern world, reminding us that our thinking can overcome any boundaries.

Timeless Power of Reason

Plato's philosophical views on reason, which he exalted to the highest realms of being, come to life in the modern world, reminding us that our thinking can overcome any boundaries. Plato saw reason not merely as a tool but as a powerful divine quality capable of liberating us from everyday shackles, awakening doubt in the established order, and simultaneously instilling confidence in truth. As he stressed, this way of thinking not only challenges the mundane but also firmly defends our intellectual advantages. Modern society, like ancient philosophy, holds knowledge, enlightenment, and science in high esteem, elevating them to the pedestal of public ideals. Today, as reason continues to occupy a central place in life and culture, its status reminds us of the undying pursuit of truth and progress, reflecting the importance of critical thinking on our path to self-improvement.

Why did Plato consider reason the most reliable support in life, and what role does this idea play in the modern world?

Plato elevated reason to the status of the highest support because he believed it possessed a divine quality that enables a person to comprehend the cosmos, transcend everyday limitations, and gain assurance in one’s own abilities. According to Plato, reason knows no limits: it helps us doubt everything while simultaneously asserting its infallibility in matters of truth. Thus, as expressed in the first citation, “This property — it is long overdue to give it a name — is our reason. For reason, there are no limits — one can doubt anything; only the rights of reason cannot be questioned. The greatest misfortune, Plato says, is to become a misologist, similar to misanthropes. And Plato, it appears, is right in exalting reason. After all, it is reason that comprehended the cosmos and repelled the encroaching acosmosia; it is reason that gave us confidence in our strengths, in our advantages over others; it is reason that saved Socrates from Anita and Melita. Is it not to be accorded the highest honors?” (source: link txt).

This Platonic idea is also reflected in the modern world, where reason continues to hold a central place in society. Modern culture often places knowledge and enlightenment on a pedestal, evident even in the fact that in the “pantheon of modern idols” the “goddess of reason” enjoys special reverence. As noted, “In the consciousness of modern humanity, one cannot fail to notice the dominance of reason. In the pantheon of modern humanity’s idols, the ‘goddess of reason’ occupies perhaps the most honorable position. Discussions about industry, trade, the stock exchange, and securities still do not evoke the same sympathy as discourses on science, knowledge, and enlightenment...” (source: link txt).

Thus, Plato regarded reason as a reliable support because it is through our capacity for thinking and critical reflection that we overcome limitations, grasp truth, and consequently gain self-confidence. In today’s world, the notion of the superiority of reason continues to play an essential role, as reflected in the elevated status of science, knowledge, and enlightenment, attesting to its enduring significance for societal progress.