Plato Life Flashcards
When was he born?
427 BC
When did he die?
347 BC
What was he regarded as?
As the founder of Western philosophy
What was his family like?
They were aristocratic and his brother was Adeimantus.
What was Ancient Athens like?
A place of turmoil, ruled by oligarchs (rule by a few people); many wanted new form of democracy (rule by many people), including Plato’s teacher - Socrates
What was Socrates seen as?
As a threat to democracy because of forcing young men to think for themselves. Defending himself at his trial - “the unexamined life is not worth living”
What did he do?
Spent 10 years as a soldier, and taught the king’s son
What did he do after he returned to Athens?
He established the Academy, to educated future leaders to think beyond accepted wisdom and develop their own ideas.
What was he passionate about?
About exploring what is true goodness and justice
What was his most famous book?
The Republic - in which presents the story/allegory/parable of the Cave
