Who Was Plato?
Discover one of the Most Important Greek Philosophers of all Time
Dear Classical Wisdom Kids,
One might wonder why Socrates never wrote anything down. Such a brilliant philosopher… wouldn’t he want to impart his wisdom to future generations? Surely he would aspire to inspire others who weren’t necessarily within ear shot?
But no. He didn’t author a single word. He wanted people to think for themselves, rather than just mimic his ideas. For Socrates it was all about the method. It was about being able to arrive at one’s own ideas independently.
His most famous student, Plato, however, did write... and he recorded both his and Socrates’ thoughts. Which is incredibly fortunate for us!!! Because now we have this wonderful treasure trove of philosophy and literature.
He didn’t forget his teacher’s lesson either, and so often composed dialogues that demonstrate the critical process of thinking and questioning, rather than present a definitive, conclusive answer.
In this way, Plato encourages us to keep thinking.
But who was Plato? What did he do? And why were his contributions so important?
Read on to learn about this most important ancient Greek Philosopher as well as our awesome activities, discussion points, and ‘Go Further’ section! Who is ready for a Play-doh Plato?? It’s a jam-packed Classical Wisdom Kids lesson ahead… so please enjoy!
All the best,
Anya Leonard
Founder and Director
Classical Wisdom and Classical Wisdom Kids
Who was Plato?
By Anya Leonard
As a child, Plato probably would not have guessed what he was going to be when he grew up!
He was born in 427 BC in Athens to a very rich and powerful political family. He was related to many kings and wise leaders, such as Solon, the Athenian lawgiver. Plato was supposed to go into politics like his family.
Considering his background, it is not surprising that Plato received the best education, with the most distinguished teachers at the time. His most important mentor, however, was Socrates, who he met when he was young.
Socrates was considered an ugly man who did not have much wealth or power. However, the old man had an amazing power of discourse, or ability to talk well, and was very respected by those who loved wisdom. Socrates became Plato’s teacher and the main character of his stories.
Two very important things happened to Plato when he was still young that made him not like the politics in Athens. First, Socrates was sentenced to death in 399 in a very unfair trial. Plato did not think this was just.
Next, Athens was beaten by the city-state of Sparta after a long war. This resulted in a dictatorship, meaning the people did not vote for their leader.
Perhaps it’s no wonder then that the quick thinking Plato chose philosophy over politics.
Plato was a very successful philosopher. He wrote many important philosophical dialogues, or conversational plays. In these plays his teacher Socrates would ask questions to try to understand important ideas. His most famous work is called the Republic, where he tries to imagine the best society possible.
Plato also set up the very first academy dedicated to thinking and questioning. In his university, students were not taught to copy their teachers, but instead to think for themselves. His most famous student was Aristotle.
He also traveled and even tried to convince a dictator in Syracuse, Italy to become one of the Philosopher kings he described in his Republic. Unfortunately, it didn’t work, but at least he tried!
Plato died in 347 BC at the ripe old age of 80. He was recognized as a brilliant man, imparting not only wisdom, but a way of trying to understand the world.
Let Little Learners Read
Download and print the PDF (along with the word bank) so your young ones can practice reading here:
Review:
Who was Plato?
What was his relationship to Socrates?
What type of writing did he do?
What was his most famous work?
What sort of school did he set up?
Who was Plato’s student?
Why did Plato try to do in Syracuse?
Discussion:
We’ll never know exactly where Socrates ended and Plato began. What ideas belonged to the teacher or to the student?
Why did Plato not like the Athenian political system?
Why do you think Plato wrote dialogues or plays rather than textbooks?
Why do you think Plato’s academy was new and different?
What do you think a Philosopher King is? And do you think they are possible?
Think it Over:
Do the Math! How old was Plato when Socrates died? Remember both dates are in BC.
Imagine if you were to write a play, who would be your main character? Would you pick a teacher, a friend, a parent?
Plato tried to plan a perfect city, a place that would be - as he saw it - fair and just. Not everyone agrees with his ideas, but it is still important to consider what we need to make an ideal city. What would you add?
Activities:
Act it Out! "Meno's Quest for Wisdom and Virtue”
Plato didn’t write out his ideas about philosophy as a text. Instead he wrote short plays where his favorite teacher, Socrates, would ask people questions and make them think about important questions. Take the Plato Play below and act it out!
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