idea or Idea? Note the difference...

A discussion opened last Friday between Dr. Grimes and a student of his. This particular student of Dr. Grimes, who is currently pursuing a BA in philosophy at CSU Long Beach, brought up a subject that is often misunderstood among modern-day readers of Hellenic (ancient Greek) philosophy -- the word "Idea."

Let's take a look at dictionary.com's definition of "idea."

i·de·a

1.	any conception existing in the mind as a result of mental understanding, awareness, or activity.

2.	a thought, conception, or notion: That is an excellent idea.

3.	an impression: He gave me a general idea of how he plans to run the department.

4.	an opinion, view, or belief: His ideas on raising children are certainly strange.

5.	a plan of action; an intention: the idea of becoming an engineer.

6.	a groundless supposition; fantasy.

7.

Philosophy. a. a concept developed by the mind. b. a conception of what is desirable or ought to be; ideal. c. (initial capital letter) Platonism. Also called form. an archetype or pattern of which the individual objects in any natural class are imperfect copies and from which they derive their being.

Although an explanation of the Platonic version of Idea is provided, this definition doesn't give it's true meaning in the classical world as the ancient Greeks understood it.

Idea, in the classical world, literally meant "beholding" or "to behold" and was an experience rather then some concept or thought.

This simple issue causes great disturbances in the understanding of the classics and must be addressed for anyone who reads ancient Greek philosophy.