Plato's most famous contribution is his Theory of Forms (or Ideas), which aims to solve what is now known as the problem of universals. He was influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, …

Jan 31, 2026 · Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher who produced works of unparalleled influence.

Plato’s middle to later works, including his most famous work, the Republic, are generally regarded as providing Plato’s own philosophy, where the main character in effect speaks for Plato himself.

Mar 20, 2004 · Plato (429?–347 B.C.E.) is, by any reckoning, one of the most dazzling writers in the Western literary tradition and one of the most penetrating, wide-ranging, and influential authors in the …

Plato’s dialogues and teachings are foundational to Western philosophy and have influenced a wide range of subjects, from metaphysics to ethics to political theory.

Dec 17, 2025 · Learn all about the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, from his life and works to his impact on Western thought.

May 12, 2025 · Plato was a famous and influential philosopher who founded an institution called the Academy. Plato learned from Socrates and shared his teacher's ideas through dialogues and the …

Aug 9, 2023 · Ancient Greek philosopher Plato founded the Academy and is the author of philosophical works of unparalleled influence in Western thought.

Nov 9, 2009 · In the “Laws,” his final dialogue, Plato retreats from the pure theory of the “Republic,” suggesting that experience and history as well as wisdom can inform the running of an ideal state.

Plato (c. 428 B.C.E. – c. 348 B.C.E.) was a Greek philosopher and is perhaps the most famous and influential thinker in the history of Western thought. He was a student of Socrates and a teacher of …