The theory of the forms is hinted at in previous books like the Meno but it isn’t until the Phaedo before it is really introduced. The basic idea behind the theory of the forms is that in a sense, there are two realities. According to Plato, there is what we perceive to be “real” and what is actually “real”. The latter reality is what is actually real. This reality has always existed and will always continue to exist without changing. Nothing is tangible and there is no way to definitively prove their existence but Plato is more than confident they exist. Everything we typically believe to be reality isn’t according to Plato. Understanding the forms is what is most important for Plato. Unless you know the form of something, you do not understand what is real. The idea of relativity also illustrates the importance of the forms. Using the example in the Euthyphro, this relationship is seen. Euthyphro is

If she be impure and have done impure deeds, or been concerned in foul murders or other crimes which are the brothers of these, and the works of brothers in crime-from that soul everyone flees and turns away; no one will be her companion, no one her guide, but alone she wanders in extremity of evil until certain times are fulfilled.

And if we acquired this knowledge before we were born, and were born having it, then we also knew before we were born and at the instant of birth not only equal or the greater or the less, but all other ideas; for we are not speaking only of equality absolute, but of beauty, good, justice, holiness, and all which stamp with the name of essence in the dialectical process, when we ask and answer questions. Of all this we may certainly affirm that we acquired the knowledge before birth.

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