Plato
(429 B.C.–347 B.C.)

Plato grew up in an Athens torn apart by the devastation of war and brought together by a cultural rebirth. Groomed for a life in politics, Plato instead withdrew from political activity disillusioned by the corruption he had witnessed. He chose the course that his life would take when he met Socrates, the great philosopher.

Plato is responsible for nearly all the information that we have about Socrates. The Apology reveals Socrates' philosophical beliefs through a series of dialogues between Socrates and different characters. The reader learns about Socrates' methods, mission to teach by questioning, and his dedication to the philosophic life.

Plato founded the Academy in Athens, the first European university of pure research. He spent the last twenty years of his life there as director and teacher. Plato is considered the most influential thinker in the history of Western culture.

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