Final answer:
Plato did not formulate a hypothesis on heredity in the biological sense, but he did have a philosophical view on the transmission of knowledge as recollection from a perfect realm of forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering heredity, Plato did not specifically hypothesize in the manner we understand heredity today in biology. His thoughts were more aligned with the understanding of knowledge and the existence of the soul. Plato's hypothesis was deeply intertwined with his Theory of Forms and the concept of anamnesis, which is the idea that knowledge is a form of recollection from prior existence. He postulated that humans are born with knowledge from this realm of forms, and the process of learning is essentially the process of remembering these perfect, eternal forms.
In the context of Plato's work 'The Republic', he discussed the education and formation of 'philosopher-kings' to lead society with wisdom and justice, emphasizing the importance of intellectual understanding. Although not directly related to heredity, such views can be seen as concerning the cultivation of personal and intellectual virtues, hinting at a form of intellectual inheritance that is more about the succession of knowledge rather than biological traits.