Evaluate and explain Plato's Theory of the Forms

The theory of the forms as proposed by Plato is a rationalist theory. This means that true knowledge is something which can be achieved through the use of reason. In the theory of the forms, Plato teaches that the Material World in which we live is flawed by sense impression, ceasing to be a reliable source of knowledge. Instead, there is 'World of Forms' which man once visited prior to the soul's implantation in the body. In the world of forms, the soul was able to see first-hand all of the different eternal and unchanging Forms, We then use our prior knowledge of these forms in the material world and this enables us to successfully recall the 'particulars' in material world for what they are. It is this reasoning back to the soul's prior knowledge which reinforces Plato's rationalism. Many have argued that the Theory of the Forms is unconvincing. To be frank, there is no tangible evidence that the world of forms even exists and without any hardcore evidence, Plato's theory could be said to rest on a myth. David Hume argues that it is ignorant to believe in a theory that is short of evidence as 'a wise man proportions his belief to the evidence'. Thus, the wisest of people believe in that which is proven (or has the capability of being proven). For this reason, many budding philosophy students may prefer empirical approaches such as Aristotle's Four Causes which rests on material evidence.