Plato

A student of Socrates, Plato suggested a more positive view of inquiry. He wrote that human reason could approach an understanding of the three perfect forms--absolutely True, Good, and Beautiful. In his opinion, these three concepts characterized nature. In Plato's early works, he re-synthesized the writings and veiws of Socrates, attempting to give his own students this knowledge. As he began to develop his own conclusions, Plato attempted to discover whether virtue can be taught and whether the human soul is immoral. Plato's masterpiece is "The Republic." It begins with a Socratic conversation about the nature of justice but continues into a discussion about virtues in the undividual man as well as society. It explores education and knowledge. Plato argues that only philosophers are fit to run the government. In his latest works, Plato explores cosmological speculations, knowledge, and forms. Socrates and Plato gave rise to the important philosophical tradition of Greece.

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Created by Becca Ellison September 20, 2008

Edited by: Ian Worthington 9/24/08 Edited by Joe Hampton on September 24, 2008. Edited by: Alexa DeAntonio 9-24-2008

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