Ethics and Ontology

So far as ethics and ontology are concerned, Plato emphasizes that truth and good are one. Knowledge is identical with the virtue.³ (p. 374) In the hierarchy of virtues, Plato places goodness at the highest level. Goodness is the supreme virtue. Every individual must live a virtuous life – the life must be expressed in performing with good actions. Along with the form of Good, Plato did also talk about Justice and Beauty which are in harmony with each other so far as living the virtuous life is concerned. Hence, it is essential to have the knowledge of the form. Referring to the autonomy of Forms, Mackie writes, “In Plato’s theory of Forms, and in the particular the Form of the Good, are eternal, extra mental, realities. They are a very central structural element in the fabric of the world. But it is held also that just knowing them or ‘seeing’ them will not merely tell men what to do but will ensure that they do it, overruling any contrary inclinations. The philosopher-kings in the Republic can, Plato thinks, be trusted with unchecked power because their education will have given them knowledge of the Forms. Being acquainted with Forms of the Good, and justice and beauty and the rest they will, by this knowledge alone, without any further motivation, be impelled to pursue and promote these ideals.”⁴ Plato’s emphasis on the epistemic articulation of the ethical highlights the how moral actions are ought to be performed and what short of life the human beings are ought to live. The cognitive activity of the soul is to contemplate on the ideas.