Plato Flashcards
What was Plato’s real name?
Aristocles
What does Plato’s nickname ‘Plato’ possibly refer to?
His broad shoulders (‘platos’ in Greek)
Who were Plato’s most famous teacher and student?
Socrates was his teacher and Aristotle was his student.
What institution did Plato found?
The Academy
Name a famous dialogue written by Plato.
‘The Republic’ (Other examples include ‘Symposium’, ‘Phaedo’, and ‘Timaeus’)
What is Plato’s theory of Forms?
The idea that the material world is a shadow of a higher reality made of perfect, immutable concepts.
What was the political situation in Athens during Plato’s life?
Athens was politically unstable after the Peloponnesian War and the execution of Socrates.
What is the main theme of Plato’s ‘Republic’?
Justice and the ideal society.
What is Plato’s view on who should rule a society?
Philosopher-kings, those who understand true justice and the world of Forms, should rule.
Which institution is considered one of the first higher learning institutions in Western history?
Plato’s Academy
What is Plato’s legacy in education?
He influenced the development of educational institutions and philosophy, shaping Western thought.
What controversy did Plato face related to politics?
Plato opposed Athenian democracy after witnessing the execution of his teacher, Socrates.
What was Aristotle’s criticism of Plato?
Aristotle criticized Plato’s Theory of Forms and other ideas.
What role did mathematics play in Plato’s philosophy?
Plato believed mathematics was crucial for understanding the nature of reality.
What famous sign was reportedly displayed at Plato’s Academy?
‘Let no one ignorant of geometry enter here.’
