Plato comprises much of his teachings and theories through his translation of "the forms". The forms are the eternal perfect image of an object or being. They are eternal and unchanging and exist above the physical world; Plato determined that to trust the senses interpretation of the world through the senses was to be confused and distracted. "The body is a source of endless trouble to us" our physical needs contradict and hinder our speculation of the forms through necessary but peripheral needs. He came to the conclusion that true knowledge was not achieved through experience but rather through "remembrance"...
informed world of today. I personally believe that these criticisms are entirely valid as if a theory can be undermined by contesting very few principles of it must not be fully true. If the "true forms" existed, our souls are connected to them and the body is a mere functionary vehicle for the soul. What is the point of life? Why not just grant us immediate access to the forms? If reason is above passion in every aspect, and interpretation of the physical world Plato should not be so obsessed in his mission to obtain his perfect "republic."