Word Meaning
अफ़लातूँ
Aflātūn
Meaning
Plato; an emblem of deep philosophy, intellect, or dry rationalism.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, Aflatun refers to the Greek philosopher Plato, typifying intellect, rigorous logic, and speculative metaphysics. In Iqbal's couplet, 'fikr-e-aflatun' denotes cold, dry philosophical contemplation which is contrasted with spiritual passion and intuitive conviction. Figuratively, it can also describe someone seen as an intellectual or a know-it-all.
Etymology
Arabic 'Iflāṭūn' (إفلاطون), from Ancient Greek 'Plátōn' (Πλάτων).
Usage
In the Urdu poetic tradition, Plato's intellect is frequently juxtaposed with mystical ecstasy to highlight the limitations of pure human reason.
Examples
fikr-e-aflatun se behtar hai zauq-e-junun
hikmat-e-aflatun bhi ishq ka ilaj na kar saki