Plato's Reflection

Plato is one of the most important figures of the Ancient Greek world and the entire history of Western thought. Not only was Plato one of the greatest philosophers of all time, he also had ties with some of the greatest, he was the student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle. Plato has written many philosophical dialogues for Socrates as well as himself including The Apology of Socrates which identifies the speech Socrates makes at the trial, The Republic which is determining what constitutes justice and education and the Theory of Forms which asserts that the physical world is not really the 'real' world; instead, ultimate reality exists beyond our physical world.

Plato, (born 428/427 BCE, Athens, Greece—died 348/347, Athens) was born

Plato’s work, The Apology of Socrates is very significant because it was a reporting of the courtroom that Socrates had to attend for his crimes of unacknowledging the recognized gods of the state and corrupting the youth’s mind with his ideas. During the trial Socrates attempts to make his last attempts to enlighten the jury and to sway them into setting him free from his crimes. Although the title is of Plato’s work is the Apology, Socrates does everything but apologize, in fact Socrates continues to show his passion in his teachings, and takes complete responsibility for his alleged wrongdoings

Plato not only allowed us to learn more about another important philosopher, Socrates, but also allowed us to experience his views of the world. Plato influenced many by creating his philosophical school, the Academy. With his teachings, philosophers such as Aristotle were able to emerge, and he was also able to open many other student’s minds. Two of the most important philosophical writings from Plato introduced ideas such as the Allegory of the Cave and Forms which not only dictate what’s real but also provides a guide to create with greater success. Plato might be the most important philosopher in history due to his achievements and his ability to spread both Socrates and his own ideas. Without philosophy would we question what is the truth about what life really is? Plato helps create this curiosity and provides another view of what life might be.