will be all earthly triangles--so whence the recognition thereof as approximations of mathematically ideal triangles (which we have never seen)? For Plato, it is the intelligibility of the "Form of Triangle" that allows us to know the drawing on the chalkboard as a triangle. Similarly, the Form of the circle enables us to draw, define, speak, and write about particular circles--and to recognize and understand the ways in which they fall short of the ideal--though a perfect circle cannot be encountered or perceived by the senses.

For the