“Knowledge is true opinion.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
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Quote
“Knowledge is true opinion.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato suggests that knowledge is essentially a form of true opinion. However, he distinguishes true opinion from knowledge by emphasizing that true opinions, although correct, lack the justification and understanding that turn them into knowledge. In Plato’s view, while a person may hold a true belief or opinion about something (such as knowing that a certain statement is factually correct), that opinion is not considered knowledge unless it is also supported by reasoning or rational justification. Knowledge, for Plato, involves not only holding a true belief but also understanding why that belief is true and being able to explain or justify it through reason and evidence.
This idea is closely tied to Plato’s philosophical exploration in *Theaetetus*, where he examines the nature of knowledge and comes to the conclusion that knowledge must be more than just true belief—it must also include an account or justification for why the belief is true. Without this justification, the belief, no matter how accurate, remains merely a true opinion and does not qualify as knowledge in the philosophical sense.
In modern contexts, this quote emphasizes the difference between beliefs and knowledge. It challenges the idea that simply holding true opinions makes someone knowledgeable. In today’s world, the quote suggests that knowledge requires a deeper understanding—an ability to explain and reason through what we believe to be true, making it more reliable and grounded in evidence. It calls for critical thinking and rational inquiry in the pursuit of true knowledge, distinguishing it from mere opinion or assumption.
