Uncovering Forgotten Knowledge: The Concept of Anagignoskomena in Plato and Aristotle

Anagignoskomena (Greek: ἀναγιγνωσκόμενα, plural of ἀναγιγνωσκός anagignoskos, "things to be known again") is a term used in the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle to refer to knowledge that has been forgotten or lost.

In Plato's philosophy, anagignoskomena are knowledge that was once possessed by humans but have been forgotten over time due to the passage of generations and the decay of human memory. This type of knowledge can only be recovered through the use of reason and contemplation of eternal truths.

In Aristotle's philosophy, anagignoskomena refer to knowledge that has been lost or forgotten as a result of the decline of civilizations and the loss of cultural heritage. Aristotle believed that this type of knowledge could be recovered through the study of history and the examination of artifacts from past cultures.

The concept of anagignoskomena is important in both Plato and Aristotle's philosophies because it highlights the idea that knowledge is not always permanent and can be lost over time. It also emphasizes the importance of reason, contemplation, and the study of history in recovering forgotten knowledge and understanding the nature of reality.