What is the concept of the Forms in Platonism?

What is the concept of the Forms in Platonism?

In Platonism, the concept of the Forms refers to the belief that there exists a separate realm of reality beyond the physical world, where perfect and eternal Forms or Ideas exist. These Forms are considered to be the ultimate reality and are the true essence of things. They are unchanging, timeless, and perfect, serving as the blueprint or ideal for the imperfect and transient objects we encounter in the physical world. According to Plato, the physical world is merely a reflection or imperfect copy of these Forms, and true knowledge can only be attained through the contemplation and understanding of these eternal and unchanging Forms.