Question

What are, in correct order, the 4 divisions of the Divided Line (note, each division has two terms, onefor activity and the other the object of that activity)?

Answer 1

The Divided Line analogy by Plato consists of four divisions, each representing a state of awareness and a type of object known: Imagining (activity) with images as objects; Belief (activity) with physical objects; Thought (activity) with mathematical forms; and Understanding (activity) with Forms (objects).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question refers to the four divisions of the Divided Line as presented by the Greek philosopher Plato. In his analogy, the Divided Line represents different states of awareness and forms of knowledge, each division relating to the cognitive state of the soul (activity) and the metaphysical status of the objects known (object of that activity).

1. Imagining (activity) / Images or reflections (object)
2. Belief (activity) / Physical, tangible objects (object)
3. Thought (activity) / Mathematical forms (object)
4. Understanding (activity) / The Forms (object)

These divisions outline a hierarchy from the least to the most real: the lower two sections relate to the visible world and opinion, while the upper two sections relate to the intelligible world and true knowledge.