Plato Facts For Kids – Ancient Greece

Plato was an Ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, and teacher. He is remembered as the person who helped form the foundation of Western philosophy.

  • Occupation: Philosopher and Mathematician
  • Born: 427 BC in Athens, Greece
  • Died: 347 BC in Athens, Greece
  • Best known for: Greek philosopher who founded the Academy in Athens.

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Early Life

Plato was born in and grew up in the Greek city-state of Athens during the Classical Period of Ancient Greece.

There is not a lot known about the early life of Plato. Ancient scholars, however, agree that he came from a wealthy family. He also had two brothers and one sister.

Since he grew up in a wealthy family, Plato would have had the best teachers and tutors that Athens would have had to offer.

He would have been taught subjects such as music, gymnastics, math, grammar, and, most importantly, philosophy.

The Peloponnesian War

Plato lived through the Peloponnesian War. This war was between Athens and the city-state of Sparta.

Since he was a young man during this time, Plato most likely served in the army and fought in several battles.

These experiences would help him to form his views on life and his personal philosophical ideas. Since Athens lost this war, it also would have changed his daily life as well.

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Meeting Socrates

After the Peloponnesian War, Plato became more interested in academics. He especially became more and more interested in the practice and study of philosophy.

During this time, he became a student and follower of a very famous philosopher named Socrates.

Socrates liked to have conversations with his students about a variety of subjects. He especially likes to focus on politics and life.

Together with his students, Socrates would break down the problem and come up with different theories on the subject.

Plato took many of these teachings to heart. He would later adopt these same learning and teaching styles into his own writings and classes.

Studying Abroad

Plato continued to be a student of Socrates until 399 BC. At this time, Socrates was executed by the leaders of Athens for corrupting the youth and not worshiping the gods of Athens.

Since his teacher was gone, Plato decided to leave Athens. He traveled around the Mediterranean for the next twelve years.

During this time, he continued his studies of science, math, and philosophy. His travels took him to Italy, Egypt, and North Africa.

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The Dialogue

During his journeys around the Mediterranean, Plato began to write down his different ideas. He wrote in a new and interesting style.

He named this style “dialogue.” In this style of writing, Plato would write about several different characters having a conversation where they would ask and answer a variety of questions.

By writing in this way, Plato was able to see more than one side to every argument. He also used it to introduce new and novel ideas.

Most of these dialogues featured Socrates as the main character. Most of what is now known about Socrates and his philosophies are from Plato’s writings.

The Republic

The most famous of all of Plato’s writings is The Republic. In this book, several characters discuss the meaning of justice and how it relates to happiness.

Socrates is once again the main character. He talks about the different effects someone being just or unjust will have on their life.

Plato also introduces the idea of a “philosopher king.” This term means that in order for someone to be an ideal ruler, all philosophers need to become kings, or kings need to become philosophers.

The Academy

When Plato was in his forties, he came back to Athens. While there, he founded a school that he called the Academy. At this school, Plato and other scholars taught subjects.

These classes were taught in the Socratic model, where a problem would be presented and debated.

Death

Plato died when he was 80 years old in 347 BC. He was in Athens at the time. He most likely passed away in his sleep.

Interesting Facts about Plato

  • Plato was related to the famous lawmaker and poet Solon.
  • Plato’s real name may have been Aristocles.
  • After Athens lost the Peloponnesian War to Sparta, Plato was offered to be allowed to rule Athens, but he declined.

Ancient Greece