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Plato Complete Introduction: Teach Yourself

William Powell

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Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential thinkers in the history of Western philosophy.

Plato: A Complete Introduction: Teach Yourself

by Roy Jackson

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Language	:	English
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Plato's philosophy is based on the idea that there are two worlds: the world of Forms and the world of appearances. The world of Forms is the true reality, while the world of appearances is merely a shadow of the world of Forms.

Plato's philosophy has been used to support a wide range of political and social theories. For example, Plato's belief in the importance of education has been used to support the idea that education is essential for a just and prosperous society.

Plato's Life and Work

Plato was born in Athens in 428 or 427 BC. He was the son of Ariston, a wealthy Athenian aristocrat, and Perictione, a relative of the Athenian statesman Pericles.

Plato's early education was typical of that of a wealthy Athenian youth. He studied rhetoric, philosophy, and mathematics. He also studied the works of the poets Homer and Hesiod.

In 407 BC, Plato met Socrates, who became his teacher and mentor. Socrates had a profound influence on Plato's thought, and Plato's philosophy is in many ways a continuation of Socrates' philosophy.

After Socrates' death in 399 BC, Plato traveled to various parts of the Greek world. He spent time in Megara, Thebes, and Elea. He also traveled to Sicily, where he met the tyrant Dionysius I.

In 387 BC, Plato returned to Athens and founded the Academy. The Academy was a school of philosophy where Plato taught his students for the next 40 years.

Plato died in Athens in 348 or 347 BC. He was 80 or 81 years old.

Plato's Philosophy

The world of Forms is made up of perfect and unchanging entities. The world of appearances is made up of imperfect and changing entities.

Plato believed that the world of Forms is the true reality because it is perfect and unchanging. He believed that the world of appearances is merely a shadow of the world of Forms because it is imperfect and changing.

Plato's Influence

Plato's philosophy has had a profound influence on Western thought. His ideas have been used to support a wide range of political and social theories. His philosophy has also been used to inspire works of art, literature, and music.

Plato is one of the most important figures in Western philosophy. His ideas have helped to shape the way we think about the world for over 2,000 years.

Plato was a brilliant philosopher who made significant contributions to Western thought. His ideas have had a profound influence on politics, society, and culture. Plato's philosophy is still relevant today, and it continues to inspire people around the world.