Plato’s teachings have brought about some of the most important ideas of Western philosophy. From writing books about the dialogue of Socrates to conceptualizing a code of ethics based on virtuism to attain happiness or eudaimonia, Plato maintains the position of one of the most important thinkers of ancient Athens. Plato established the Academy, considered by many to be the first university institution.
Contrary to Plato’s teacher Socrates, who lived in poverty all his life, Plato came from a wealthy family and planned on studying to be a politician when he became Socrates’ student. As a young and devout follower of Socrates, Plato would have been one of the vulnerable youth he was accused of corrupting by the Athenian government at his trial. Coming from a place of wealth to the pursuit of knowledge, it would be reasonable to believe that Plato would have to find it within himself to reject ideas of greed, power, self- indulgence, and diminishable desires commonly attributed to Athenian politicians. Regarding his experience with the politicians, Socrates says to the court, “I found that the men most in repute were all but the most foolish; and that some inferior men were really wiser and better” (Apology, 22c). Young Plato’s pursuit of becoming a philosophically wise politician was likely noble to Socrates, who was against the relatively new democracy in Athens in favor of a philosopher- run ruling class. Socrates’ disapproval of the rulers of Athens likely contributed to his conviction, as he taught many dangerous things to the youth of Athens.
Plato himself carries on this anti- democratic belief and refines it further into a virtue- based meritocracy and class system. The elite philosopher- kings must be virtuous and wise, someone who should be a role- model for their people and fitting of power. The elite are the ones who have the wisdom to truly understand and see the nature of things, and are the only ones capable...