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Plato and Platonism

by Walter Pater

Plato’s ideas have had an enduring and important impact on philosophy, science, and all people, from the ancient kings to modern day man and to all people in between. He passionately touches on the topics of love, virtue, politics, the soul, and ethics in his dialogues. Plato and Platonism demystifies the complex roots of Hellenic philosophy by explaining the impact Plato had on the world when he opened the Academy, a university that nurtured mathematicians, scientists, and great thinkers like Aristotle.Plato was born in Athens around the year 428 BC, the son of wealthy and influential parents. When Socrates, whose ideas heavily influenced Plato, was condemned to death, Plato left Athens and traveled widely, especially to Italy and Sicily. He studied with students of Pythagoras and spent some years advising the ruling family of Syracuse. Around 387, he returned to Athens, where he founded his Academy and taught mathematics and philosophy. He remained at the Academy until his death in 347.