A "Platonic ideal" refers to the concept introduced by the philosopher Plato, which suggests that non-material abstract forms or ideas represent the most accurate reality. According to this theory, tangible objects in the physical world are merely imperfect representations of these perfect forms. For example, a specific chair is an imperfect version of the ideal form of "chairness," which embodies all the essential qualities of a chair. In Plato's view, these ideals exist in a realm beyond our physical world, accessible only through intellectual reasoning. This notion emphasizes the importance of understanding the essence of things rather than just their physical manifestations, influencing various fields such as philosophy, art, and science.