Plato
By Jennifer Wolf

Plato was born in Athens, around 427 B.C. Although his real name was Aristocles, the word 'Plato' - meaning 'broad-shouldered' - became his nickname. His family was one of the most distinguished and oldest in the city. Though expected to join politics, Plato, being a student of Socrates, came to regard politicians with great skepticism, and resolved to become a teacher and philosopher. In 387 B.C. Plato founded a school known as the Academy," which focused on philosophy and science. Some scholars consider it the first university; it remained in existence for about 900 years. Plato's most distinguished student was the Greek philosopher, Aristotle.

Plato was quite enthusiastic about many subjects, especially mathematics, astronomy, and musical theory. He wrote several literary works in dialogue form to express his beliefs and philosophies. For example, he felt that all people by nature desire happiness, and this happiness is a sign of healthiness. Also, he believed that the soul is divided into three parts: the intellect, the will, and the desire; these parts occasionally conflict with each other, but live harmoniously if the intellect controls the desire with the aid of the will. A similar approach served as the model for his ideal society where the philosopher kings control the ordinary citizens with help from the guardians. He believed in immortality and reincarnation and also encouraged strict censorship of the arts, which can easily mold people's characters. In addition, Plato questioned the nature and essence of concepts, such as the origin of justice, knowledge, or form. On the subject of form, Plato believed that ordinary things varied greatly from the 'true' form; he felt that true science studies the nature of the perfect and pure patterns after which all creations are modeled. The everyday world is changing and imperfect, and thus perfect form can not exist in space or time. For example, circular objects are never perfectly circular. Hence, the only perfectly beautiful thing is the form of beauty.

Plato also created an atomic theory. It stated that the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air consist of tiny particles, called atoms, which cannot be further divided. The atoms form a perfect geometric construction, such as we find in crystals.

Plato's writings and philosophies influenced Western thought long after he died circa 347 B.C.