History of Plato

PLATO
History
Due to a lack of primary sources from the time period, much of Plato's life has
been created by scholars through his writings and the writings of contemporaries and
classical historians. Both of his parents, Ariston and Perictione, came from the Greek
aristocracy. Plato's father died when he was young, and his mother remarried her uncle.
Plato is believed to have had two siblings, one sister and a half-brother, though it is not
certain where he falls in the birth order.
Some scholars believe that Plato was named for his grandfather, Aristocles,
following the tradition of the naming the eldest son after the grandfather. But there is no
conclusive evidence of this, or that Plato was the eldest son in his family. Other historians
claim that "Plato" was a nickname, referring to his broad physical build.
As with many young boys of his class, Plato was probably taught by some of
Athens' finest educators. The curriculum would have featured the doctrines of Cratylus,
Pythagoras and Parmenides. These probably helped develop the foundation for Plato's
study of metaphysics (the study of nature) and epistemology (the study of knowledge).
As a young man, Plato experienced two major events that set his course in life.
One was meeting the great Greek philosopher Socrates. Socrates's methods of dialogue
and debate impressed Plato so much that he soon became a close associate and dedicated
his life to the question of virtue and the formation of a noble character. The other event
was the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, in which Plato served for a brief
time. The defeat of Athens ended its democracy, which the Spartans replaced with an
oligarchy. Two of Plato's relatives, were prominent figures in the new government whose
brief rule reduced the rights of Athenian citizens. After the oligarchy was overthrown and
democracy was restored, Plato briefly considered a career in politics, but the execution of
Socrates soured him on this idea and he turned to a life of study and philosophy.
After Socrates's death, Plato traveled for 12 years throughout the Mediterranean
region, studying mathematics with the Pythagoreans in Italy, and geometry, geology,
astronomy and religion in Egypt. During this time, or soon after, he began his extensive
writing.
Founding the Academy

Sometime around 385 B.C.E., Plato founded a school of learning, known as the
Academy, which he presided over until his death. The Academy operated until 529 C.E..,
when it was closed by Roman Emperor Justinian I, who feared it was a source of
paganism and a threat to Christianity. Over its years of operation, the Academy's
curriculum included astronomy, biology, mathematics, political theory and philosophy.
Plato hoped the Academy would provide a place for future leaders to discover how to
build a better government in the Greek city-states.
In 367 B.C.E., Plato was invited by Dion, a friend and disciple, to be the personal
tutor of his nephew, Dionysius II, the new ruler of Syracuse (Sicily). Dion believed that
Dionysius showed promise as an ideal leader. Plato accepted, hoping the experience
would produce a philosopher king. But Dionysius fell far short of expectations and
suspected Dion, and later Plato, of conspiring against him. He had Dion exiled and Plato
placed under "house arrest." Eventually, Plato returned to Athens and his Academy. One
of his more promising students there was Aristotle, who would take his mentor's
teachings in new directions.
Final Years
The circumstances surrounding his death are clouded, though it is certain that he
died in Athens around 348 B.C.E., when he was in his early 80s. Some scholars suggest
that he died while attending a wedding, while others believe he died peacefully in his
sleep.
Plato's impact on philosophy and the nature of humans has had a lasting impact far
beyond his homeland of Greece. His work covered a broad spectrum of interests and
ideas: mathematics, science and nature, morals and political theory. His beliefs on the
importance of mathematics in education have proven to be essential for understanding the
entire universe. His work on the use of reason to develop a more fair and just society that
is focused on the equality of individuals established the foundation for modern
democracy.

History of Plato

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

History of Plato

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

History of Plato

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PLATO

Founding the Academy

You might also like