Plato (Plato of Athens)

Plato of Athens (circa 427-347 BCE) was a foundational philosopher in Western thought, best known for his dialogues exploring justice, beauty, equality, and the nature of reality. A student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, Plato founded the Academy, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning. He introduced ideas such as the theory of Forms, which posits that non-material abstract Forms represent the most accurate reality. His works, including "The Republic," examine the ideal state and the role of the philosopher, influencing fields like politics, ethics, and education for centuries to come.