Theory of Forms

Plato's theory of Forms or theory of Ideas asserts that non-material abstract (but substantial) forms (or ideas), and not the material world of change known to us through sensation, possess the highest and most fundamental kind of reality. When used in this sense, the word form or idea is often capitalized. Plato speaks of these entities only through the characters (primarily Socrates) of his dialogues who sometimes suggest that these Forms are the only true objects of study that can provide us with genuine knowledge; thus even apart from the very controversial status of the theory, Plato's own views are much in doubt. Plato spoke of Forms in formulating a possible solution to the problem of universals.

Forms

The Greek concept of form precedes the attested language and is represented by a number of words mainly having to do with vision: the sight or appearance of a thing. The main words, εἶδος (eidos) and ἰδέα (idea) come from the Indo-European root *weid-, "see".Eidos (though not idea) is already attested in texts of the Homeric era, the earliest Greek literature. Equally ancient is μορφή (morphē), "shape", from an obscure root. The φαινόμενα (phainomena), "appearances", from φαίνω (phainō), "shine", Indo-European *bhā-, was a synonym.

The Forms (band)

The Forms are an American indie rock band from Queens, New York, whose style incorporates aspects of math rock, dream pop, and emo. The band members include Alex Tween (vox, keyboards) and Matt Walsh (drums, sequencers).

History

The Forms released their debut album, Icarus, in 2003. The album was recorded with legendary producer Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, P. J. Harvey) at the helm. They worked with Albini again on their latest (self-titled) album, which was released in October 2007.

The Forms recorded a cover of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" for Engine Room Recordings' compilation album Guilt by Association Vol. 2, which was released in November 2008.

The band has shared the stage with bands like The National, The Hold Steady, St. Vincent, Ok Go, Deerhunter, Minus the Bear, Ted Leo, and Nick Cave.

Reception

At the time of the debut release, reviews were generally very positive, and critics compared the band favorably to early-emo rock group Sunny Day Real Estate. Mac Randall of The New York Observer described the band as "aggro-artsy trio fond of awkward time signatures, sly rhythmic manipulation, curlicuing vocal lines, and giving one song two separate track numbers for no obvious reason... [T]hese guys make a virtue out of attention-deficit disorder."PopMatters called the band "one of the most exciting, if not one of the best, new acts in indie rock right now."