Plato (428/427-348/347 BC) founded the Academy in Athens where Aristotle and other young philosophers met to pursue scientific and philosophic inquiry.
|
|
Suggest a resource about Plato
|
|
|
|
PlatoPlato (428/427-348/347 BC) was a friend of Socrates. As Socrates left no written works, all that we know about his beliefs we learn by reading Plato. Plato was about 31 during the trial, conviction, and execution of Socrates. It affected him so deeply that he spent most of his life circulating the teachings of Socrates in the form of philosophical dialogues. In doing so, he sought to restore Socrates' reputation and bring a better understanding of his teachings to the society that had rejected them. It is widely agreed that some of the later dialogues are original works by Plato, but there is no way of determining exactly when this transition occurred. Many students believe that the material that is more concerned with how philosophy can be applied to our lives was the original work of Plato. The earlier material that is more likely representative of Socrates is more abstract philosophical work. It is clear that both men believed that only the soul can be harmed. They taught people to think for themselves, independently of any external authority. Plato believed that if you knew what was good, you should do it. He wanted people to understand the general characteristics of good rather than looking at things on a case by case basis. He called this temperance or justice, which exists only if the three parts of the soul are in harmony -- intellect, desire, and emotion. He founded the Academy in Athens where Aristotle and other young philosophers met to pursue scientific and philosophic inquiry. One of his most successful students was Aristotle, a tribute to a man who lived his beliefs. Random Quote from Plato"For let me tell you, that the more the pleasures of the body fade away, the greater to me is the pleasure and charm of conversation." Search the Database for QuotesQuotes by PlatoOnline Resources
Related Books |
Send a Plato quotation postcard |
