Plato

Plato (c. 428–348 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher of Athens, the student of Socrates, the teacher of Aristotle and the founder of the Academy, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. Born into a distinguished Athenian family, he first expected a public career, but the trial and death of Socrates in 399 BC turned him decisively toward philosophy. Around 387 BC he founded the Academy, which endured for centuries. His dialogues, with Socrates usually as the leading speaker, include the Apology, Phaedo, Republic and Laws. In them he argued that true reality lies in eternal Forms such as the Good, the Beautiful and the Just, illustrated by the allegory of the cave, and described the virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation and justice. His thought shaped later philosophy, early Christian theology through Augustine, and Western ideas of education and the just society.