To what extent are Forms independent entities, and how might their supposed existence create metaphysical problems (e.g. the “Third Man” argument)?

Could there be an infinite regress of Forms? What solutions might Plato or later philosophers propose?

JeetGPT self answer incoming

>>24516740 (OP)
Plato treats Forms as ontologically independent:

They exist apart from the physical world.

They are non-physical, eternal, unchanging, and perfect.

Particular things (like individual horses) “participate” in their corresponding Form (the Form of Horse) but are not the Form itself.

>>24516744

>>24516740 (OP)
The One = eternal and all forms lead to it (see Laches for example where bravery and virtue are knowledge of the Good ie One)

The Forms= slightly lesser in hierarchy. Form of Table, chair, etc

You= the mind reading this right now

Lowest realm= physical world which you see around you but dissipates and isn’t eternal mere copy

There.

>>24516740 (OP)
>To what extent are Forms independent entities, and how might their supposed existence create metaphysical problems (e.g. the “Third Man” argument)?
>Could there be an infinite regress of Forms? What solutions might Plato or later philosophers propose?

The independence of Forms creates metaphysical puzzles, notably the famous Third Man Argument, first reported in Aristotle’s Metaphysics (Book A, 9).

The core of the argument:

Suppose many large things (A, B, C) are all large because they participate in the Form of Largeness.

The Form of Largeness is itself large (because it embodies the very property it defines).

So, the Form of Largeness and the large things together constitute a new group of “large things.”