Biography of Plato
... It was during this time that the philosopher Plato founded the Academy; a school of thought that lasted for 916 years, longer than any other school has ever operated. ... Plato was a man so deep in thought that his ideas are not readily accessible. ... Plato’s thought is not based in our current concept of logic, and is consequently very difficult to understand. Therefore, the purpose of this essay will be to bring light onto the basic concepts and teachings of Plato, so that the everyday person may gain a knowledge and appreciation of Plato. It will begin with the life of Plato, so that one can understand his background. Next it will look at Plato’s concept of forms. ... These topics will only begin to scratch the surface of Plato’s vast teachings, but will help in gaining a basic understanding of the basis and style of Plato’s thinking. 3 In order to understand Plato’s thoughts, you must understand who Plato was and where he came from. Plato was born around 428 B. ... Thus out of this political family, Plato decided to a live a life in politics. ... The war led to the downfall of Athens, and therefore, Plato lost interest in politics. ... Plato became acquainted with some of the pre Socratic thinkers such as Cratylus, Pythagorus, and Paremides. Soon after Socrates was put to death, Plato left Athens with some friends, and did not return for another 12 years. During this journey, Plato began to search for the philosophers of the world. ... Plato not only studied philosophy at this time, he also studied geometry, geology, anatomy, and religion. ... , Plato began to write extensively. ... During this time, Plato wrote Meno, Euthydemus, Menexenus, Cratylus, Republic, Phaedrus, Symposium, and Phaedo. In 367, Plato was sent to tutor Dionysus II, and he did for 6 years. Sick of the situation, Plato left Italy for Athens in 361, and lived out the rest for his years at the academy.