After the execution of Socrates in 399 BC, Plato became disillusioned with Athenian democracy and traveled extensively, studying with other philosophers in Italy, Egypt, and possibly Persia. He returned to Athens in 387 BC and founded the Academy, a school of philosophy and science that would become one of the most prestigious institutions of learning in the ancient world.
Plato wrote extensively on a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology. His most famous works include "The Republic," "The Symposium," and "The Phaedo." In these works, Plato developed his theory of Forms or Ideas, which posits that the material world is only a shadow or reflection of a higher reality of perfect and eternal Forms or Ideas.
Plato's political philosophy is also well-known and influential. In "The Republic," he describes an ideal society ruled by philosopher-kings who use reason and wisdom to govern justly. He believed that justice was the foundation of a good society and that individual virtue was essential to achieving it.
Despite his admiration for the ideals of Athens, Plato was critical of Athenian democracy and believed that it was prone to corruption and demagoguery. He believed that true democracy could only be achieved by cultivating the wisdom and virtue of its citizens, rather than allowing them to make decisions based on their passions and desires.
Plato's legacy in Western philosophy is immense, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated to this day. He is considered one of the founders of Western philosophy.
Some famous quotes by Plato:
- "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet." - from the "Symposium"
- "Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something." - from the "Apology"
- "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." - from the "Allegory of the Cave"
- "The measure of a man is what he does with power." - from the "Republic"
- "Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil." - from the "Meno"
- "Ideas are the source of all things." - from the "Phaedo"
- "Courage is knowing what not to fear." - from the "Laches"
- "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - from the "Republic"
- "He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it." - from the "Gorgias"
- "The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself." - from the "Phaedrus"