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'''Plato''' ('''Πλάτων''', circa 428/7-348/7 BC) was an [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greek]] [[philosopher]], the pupil of [[Socrates]].
'''Plato''' ('''Πλάτων''', circa 428/7-348/7 BC) was an [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greek]] [[philosopher]], the pupil and [[amanuensis]] of [[Socrates]].
   
   
Born into a prominent family that claimed descent from the god [[Poseidon]] <ref>Taylor, 1</ref>, Plato’s experiences while growing up shaped his philosophy. Early on he was praised for his development and education by his instructors. He was educated in many disciplines, creating a well-rounded approach to the world <ref>Early Life, wiki</ref>.  His first experiences with philosophy came from [[Cratylus]], a pre-Socratic philosopher whose teachings brought the idea of the  [[Helaclitean doctrine]] which influenced Plato’s ideas on philosophy <ref>Taylor, 3</ref>.  As many sources conclude, Plato more than exercised his thoughts through his works, but spent the better part of his life practicing them <ref>Biffle, 5; Taylor, 2</ref>.  His work in Government affairs was concluded when Socrates was executed, due to Plato’s lack of trust in Athenian government <ref>Taylor, 4</ref>.  Plato went on to create the first university in history, where he went about educating the men of society on the prosecution of scientific study <ref>Biffle, 5; Taylor, 6</ref>.
Born into a prominent family that claimed descent from the god [[Poseidon]] <ref>Taylor, 1</ref>, Plato’s experiences while growing up shaped his philosophy. Early on he was praised for his development and education by his instructors. He was educated in many disciplines, creating a well-rounded approach to the world <ref>Early Life, wiki</ref>.  His first experiences with philosophy came from [[Cratylus]], a pre-Socratic philosopher whose teachings brought the idea of the  [[Helaclitean doctrine]] which influenced Plato’s ideas on philosophy <ref>Taylor, 3</ref>.  As many sources conclude, Plato more than exercised his thoughts through his works, but spent the better part of his life practicing them <ref>Biffle, 5; Taylor, 2</ref>.  His work in Government affairs was concluded when Socrates was executed, due to Plato’s lack of trust in Athenian government <ref>Taylor, 4</ref>.  Plato went on to create the first university in history, where he went about educating the men of society on the prosecution of scientific study <ref>Biffle, 5; Taylor, 6</ref>.

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Plato (Πλάτων, circa 428/7-348/7 BC) was an Ancient Greek philosopher, the pupil and amanuensis of Socrates.

Born into a prominent family that claimed descent from the god Poseidon [1], Plato’s experiences while growing up shaped his philosophy. Early on he was praised for his development and education by his instructors. He was educated in many disciplines, creating a well-rounded approach to the world [2]. His first experiences with philosophy came from Cratylus, a pre-Socratic philosopher whose teachings brought the idea of the Helaclitean doctrine which influenced Plato’s ideas on philosophy [3]. As many sources conclude, Plato more than exercised his thoughts through his works, but spent the better part of his life practicing them [4]. His work in Government affairs was concluded when Socrates was executed, due to Plato’s lack of trust in Athenian government [5]. Plato went on to create the first university in history, where he went about educating the men of society on the prosecution of scientific study [6].

Plato’s influence as the first complete Philosopher may be noted from his many works that deal with a wide variety of philosophical topics [7]. Plato’s dedication to the Truth would drive him to create the framework for Western philosophy [8]. Plato offers the most detailed account of Socrates and his work over any other sources from the time [9]. His works on Socrates in some cases was for no other purpose than to put in writing the views of his teacher [10]. In The Republic, one Plato’s most influential works, the idea for the perfect government system ruled by and with justice is laid out from the ideas of Socrates [11]. Among Plato’s dialogues The Statesman provides another look at government where he works to define every aspect of a good statesman and their government and comes to the conclusion that, “the best government is lawless,” flexible for the individuals it governs [12].
Plato’s contributions to philosophy and the world are undeniable: a great amount of the world’s progress has to be attributed to his work and dedication for truth. He managed to lead a humble life from a not so humble beginning and dedicated much of his thought and time to recording the thoughts of his instructor, Socrates.

References

  1. Taylor, 1
  2. Early Life, wiki
  3. Taylor, 3
  4. Biffle, 5; Taylor, 2
  5. Taylor, 4
  6. Biffle, 5; Taylor, 6
  7. Biffle, 6
  8. Taylor, 2
  9. Biffle, 3
  10. Plato, SEP
  11. Cairns, 575-576
  12. Cairns, 1018


Citations