Editing Form of the Good (section)

==Uses in ''The Republic''==
The first references that are seen in ''The Republic'' to the Form of the Good are within the conversation between [[Glaucon]] and [[Socrates]] (454 c–d).  When he is trying to answer such difficult questions pertaining to the definition of [[justice]], Plato identifies that we should not "introduce every form of difference and sameness in nature" instead we must focus on "the one form of sameness and difference that was relevant to the particular ways of life themselves" which is the form of the Good.  This form is the basis for understanding all other forms; it is what allows us to understand everything else.  Through the conversation between Socrates and Glaucon (508 a–c), Plato analogizes the form of the Good with the sun as it is what allows us to see things.  Here, Plato describes how the sun allows for sight.  But he makes a very important distinction, "sun is not sight" but it is "the cause of sight itself."  As the sun is in the visible realm, the form of Good is in the [[Intelligibility (philosophy)|intelligible]] realm.  It is "what gives truth to the things known and the power to know to the knower".  It is not only the "cause of knowledge and truth, it is also an object of knowledge".
 
Plato identifies how the form of the Good allows for the cognizance to understand such difficult concepts as [[justice]].  He identifies [[knowledge]] and [[truth]] as important, but through Socrates (508d–e) says, "good is yet more prized".  He then proceeds to explain "although the good is not being" it is "superior to it in rank and power", it is what "provides for knowledge and truth" (508e).<ref name=Reeve>{{cite book|last=Reeve|first=Plato; revised by C.D.C.|title=Republic|date=1992|publisher=Hackett Publ. Co|location=Indianapolis, Ind.|isbn=978-0-87220-136-1|edition=[2nd ed.].}}</ref>