Life of Plato in Just 5 Minutes
I hope this introduction serves as an incentive for you to further explore Plato’s philosophy.
The Greek philosopher Plato was a student of Socrates, and a teacher of Aristotle. He wrote on a wide variety of topics including Politics, Aesthetics, Cosmology, and Epistemology. To this day, we refer to “Platonic Love” and “Platonic Ideals.” Plato’s search for knowledge and truth formed the basis of much of Western Philosophy.
Plato’s birthdate is disputed — some sources say around 428 BC, others claim 424 BC. In any case, it was a fortunate birth. Plato’s parents were both descended from Athenian nobility. Like other children from distinguished families in Athens, Plato received the best education of the day, studying philosophy, poetry, and gymnastics.
Plato grew up during the Peloponnesian War, and as a young man saw the political chaos surrounding the final defeat of Athens by Sparta. Two of Plato’s relatives came to power in the new government, who were known as the Thirty Tyrants, and were notorious for denying Athenians their rights. The group ruled briefly until this despised oligarchy was overthrown and Athens returned to democracy in 403 BC.
You might expect, given Plato’s prominent family connections, that he was destined to be a politician…
