Plato

Philosopher of Athens — Founder of the Academy (427–347 BCE)

Plato, a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, stands as one of history’s greatest thinkers. His dialogues form the foundation of Western philosophy, exploring justice, virtue, love, and the nature of reality.

In his most famous work, The Republic, Plato envisioned an ideal society governed by philosopher-kings, guided by wisdom rather than power. He believed that the material world was a mere shadow of a higher, perfect reality — the realm of Forms.

“Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.”

Plato founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. His influence endures in ethics, politics, metaphysics, and education — shaping thought for over two millennia.

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