Plato

428 BC — 348 BC • Ancient

Plato was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle. He founded the Academy in Athens, one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Western world.

His philosophical system covers a vast range of topics including politics, metaphysics, epistemology, and aesthetics. His Theory of Forms posits that abstract, non-physical forms represent the most accurate reality. His dialogues, especially The Republic, remain foundational texts in philosophy.

Key Ideas

Theory of Forms Allegory of the Cave Philosopher King Tripartite Soul Platonic Love

Influenced By

Socrates Pythagoras Heraclitus Parmenides

Influenced

Aristotle Plotinus Augustine Western Philosophy

Notable Quotes

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

"The measure of a man is what he does with power."
— The Republic

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."
— The Republic

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