Plato
Athenian philosopher and founder of the Platonist school of thought
Real World Example
Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, born in Athens around 427 B.C., who founded the Platonist school of thought and the Academy, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. He was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, and his writings explored justice, beauty, equality, and the nature of reality. Plato's work laid the foundation for Western philosophy and science, influencing countless scholars and thinkers over the centuries. Today, his ideas about ideal forms and the importance of reason continue to inspire critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge. For example, when students debate ethical dilemmas in school, they are engaging with a method of reasoning and inquiry that traces back to Plato's dialogues, encouraging them to think deeply and question their beliefs.