Abstract
The criticism of the Paradigmatism which is put into the mouth of Parmenides in Plato's Parmenides, focuses the point on the Resemblance of the image or copy to the original, and tries to deduce the second 'Third Man'. To interpret the original-image relationship as a mere resemblance is, we may say, a static reading of the Paradigmatism. We also perceive another aspect in the relationship-a dynamic imitating of the original(which is in Plato's context a Form or an ideal model.)According to this reading, resemblance relation is but a derivative from imitation, one of the results of the imitating process. Plato's Paradigmatism consists of these two factors, Imitation and Resemblance. There seems to be a correspondence between these two factors in Plato's usage of παραδειγμα. Plato uses this word as an example or an illustration in one sense we call this usage P_1( and in the other as an ideal standard or model-we call this P_2. P_1 is a substitute for the original. It has only the status of an image or copy in its reality, but its suggestive function enables us to have an insight into the unclear through the clearly known. We may interpret this function as a kind of analogy. It throws light upon what the Resemblance is between the two orders of being. P_2 presupposes ορεζι&b.sigmav; or a voluntary action to approach the ideal model as closely as possible. We find this kind of action of the creation in the artistic process. In a creative production, the completion of the creation presupposes an access to its model. It aims at perfect resemblance or identification with its model. It continues approaching the model, but inevitably comes up against the obstacle of approximation. In a word, images are imperfect and inferior to the model. But this deficiency does not necessarily mean an utter defeat in the context of Paradigmatism. It simply constitutes an inadequacy in the progress toward the model, because its goal is too far away. This kind of ορεζι&b.sigmav; or continual imitation-progress requires the permanent suspension of time from the beginning, as we perceive from the idea of the Philosopher-King. Imitation based on the desire for complete resemblance produces a number of images as its results. These results form a series of gradual approaches or several stages of resemblance, and eventually form the most perfect image within the limitations of this world. This perfect image functions as a standard in this world and thus the meaning of Resemblance of the image to the original, which is differently ordered, can be clearly understood.
