Plato (427–347 B.C.)

Plato stands as one of the most creative and important philosophers in the history of philosophy. A student of Socrates and forerunner to Aristotle, Plato was born into a wealthy family in the last days of the Athenian Empire. In addition to promoting his own significant philosophical views, Plato also wrote down most of what we know about the life of Socrates.

Plato founded a school in Athens called The Academy. Several disciplines were studied at the Academy and over the entrance of the school was a statement that read, “Let No One Ignorant of Geometry Enter Within.” The most famous disciple of this school was Aristotle who studied at The Academy for twenty years. A prolific writer, Plato left three categories of writings. The first are the Socratic Dialogues in which Socrates appears in his historical role as one who questions and challenges unfounded ideas. The second category is Socrates as Teacher in which the views of Socrates are expounded. The third is the Later Dialogues in which Plato, himself, explains his views on matters such as natural science and cosmology.

At the heart of Plato’s philosophy is his “theory of forms (or ideas)” In fact, his views on knowledge, ethics, psychology, politics, and art are all tied to this theory. According to Plato there are two realms of reality. First, there is the physical world. Second there is the world made of eternal perfect “forms” or “ideas.” These “forms” are perfect templates that exist somewhere and are the ultimate reference points for all objects we see in the world.

In his Republic, Plato wrote one of the greatest works ever on the issue of political philosophy. The Republic describes Plato’s utopian society—a city with three classes. The first is the Upper Class which consists of those most fit to rule. This class includes Plato’s “philosopher-kings.” According to Plato, philosophers possess the most wisdom and, thus, are most qualified to lead society. The second class consists of soldiers and the third class consists of the workers. In Plato’s city, class status is determined at birth, everyone receives an education, women are to be common property, procreation is regulated, and children were brought up by the state. Four virtues were to be emphasized in this city—wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.

Plato’s influence was great and some of his ideas would be picked up centuries later by many Christian theologians including Augustine. Although many of Plato’s ideas are not accepted today, he is often regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of all time.