The theory holds that the objects we see around us are imperfect copies of Ideas or Forms. Every table or chair is an imperfect copy of the Idea of table or chair and the Idea is perfect and somehow more real than the things we see.

• 该理论指出，我们日常所见的物体都是理念或形式的不完善的模本或影子，每一张桌子和每-把椅子都只是桌子和椅子理念的不完善模本； 理念是完美的，比我们眼睛所见到的实物更真实。