Hi guys, I was just wondering if anyone could help me finish my outline or correct anything wrong with it regarding this topic. I mainly need help with the last one being, "Why does Plato defend the independent existence of forms?"

Explain and discuss Plato's claim that there are ideal 'Forms' that exist independently of all physical objects. What are Forms supposed to be? Why does Plato introduce this notion? And why does he later also defend the independent existence of Forms.

And here's my outline

I. Introduction
a. We can observe through Plato's various works that he encounters difficulty in defining universals like justice, piety, etc.
-Euthyphro shows the incorrect definition of piety. Plato wants to find what piety is, not what makes something pious.
b. Thesis: In an attempt to provide a definition for intangible universals, Plato constructs a theory of forms to show that the sensible world of particulars are mere imitations of the real world where forms reside, independent of thought and existing in their own metaphysical domain that can be accessed through the mind using reason.


II. What forms are
a. Plato argues that what we observe in our world, or the sensible world, are imitations and copies of the real world (the world of forms)
i. Cave Theory: We only see the shadows of real objects, therefore we do not see things in their whole or entirety.
ii. Forms are ultimately the real entities.
b. Forms are transcendent properties or qualities of objects that exist independently of physical objects.
i. They are conceptual and are accessed through our minds ability to conceive them.
1. They are perfect models of which all material objects are based upon.
ii. They are pure and exist outside of spacetime.
1. Ex: A material basketball is the collection of the forms roundness, orangeness, ballness, bounciness, etc.
c. Forms are the causes of all material things
i. They are the cause of all knowledge we have of objects
ii. They are the cause of everything that exists.


III. The implications and importance of Forms
a. Plato introduces Forms as a means to find a definition for qualities such as justice, piety, equality, etc.
b. To know of a form, one must reason and rationalize it.
i. Further asserts that to be just, one must be aware of the form of justice, something that can only be done with philosophy.
1. In a just state, the philosopher is king as he has the ability to apprehend the form of justice and maintain it in the politics of the city and the souls of the people.
ii. Euthyphro cannot define piety and only gives examples of pious actions. He creates a circular argument, i.e. Piousness is what is loved by the gods, or the gods love what is pious.
1. Clarifies why we cannot define "justice" or "good" but can recognize it. (Souls exist in the world of forms before birth)
iii.


IV. Why they are independent of physical objects
a. Forms are independent of physical existence and thus, are unchanging.
i. If two people are talking about justice, they must be talking about the same thing since the Form of justice is permanent and unchanging.
ii.


V. Conclusion
a.