Plato: A Transitional Reader
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Description
Plato was born c. 427 B.C. in Athens, Greece, to an aristocratic family very much involved in political government. Pericles, famous ruler of Athens during its golden age, was Plato's stepfather. Plato was well educated and studied under Socrates, with whom he developed a close friendship. When Socrates was publically executed in 399 B.C., Plato finally distanced himself from a career in Athenian politics, instead becoming one of the greatest philosophers of Western civilization. Plato extended Socrates's inquiries to his students, one of the most famous being Aristotle.
Plato's The Republic is an enduring work, discussing justice, the importance of education, and the qualities needed for rulers to succeed. Plato felt governors must be philosophers so they may govern wisely and effectively. Plato founded the Academy, an educational institution dedicated to pursuing philosophic truth. The Academy lasted well into the 6th century A.D., and is the model for all western universities. Its formation is along the lines Plato laid out in The Republic.
Link to Catalog
LOC Call Number
PA260 .M26 2010
ISBN
9780865167216
Publication Date
2010
Department
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Publisher
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
City
Mundelein
Recommended Citation
Major, Wilfred, "Plato: A Transitional Reader" (2010).