According to Plato, how does the soul acquire knowledge of forms before birth?

Plato's theory of knowledge, particularly regarding the concept of forms, posits that the soul has an innate understanding of these ideal forms before birth. This idea is rooted in his belief in the recollection theory, where knowledge is seen as a process of remembering truths that the soul encountered in a pre-existent state. Plato suggested that the soul is immortal and existed in a realm of forms before incarnating in the physical body. Once in the material world, the soul forgets this knowledge but can recollect it through philosophical inquiry and rational thought.

Therefore, the notion of innate understanding aligns perfectly with Plato's philosophy, as it emphasizes that knowledge does not come from sensory experiences or external inputs but rather from the soul's inherent knowledge of the forms. This understanding forms a crucial part of Plato's epistemology and distinguishes his views from later empiricist perspectives that prioritize sensory experience as the source of knowledge.