Plato's problem

proper noun

The problem of explaining how human beings can know so much given their limited experience, i.e. poverty of the stimulus.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. The problem of explaining how human beings can know so much given their limited experience, i.e. poverty of the stimulus.

Origin

Coined by Noam Chomsky in reference to the ancient philosopher Plato.

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Cite this entry
APA

Plato's problem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Plato's%20problem

MLA

“Plato's problem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Plato's%20problem. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Plato's problem,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Plato's%20problem.

Source: Plato's problem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.