Philosophyappears in Ion, Meno, Symposium, The Republic, The Apology, Crito, Phae

Philosophy is, according to Plato, the highest of all studies. Philosophy investigates the realities of which everyday objects are only a pale reflection. For example, beautiful objects all share a common property of "beauty" which has a reality of its own and is independent of any beautiful object. This abstract and invisible beauty can only be understood through reason, and understanding such realities is the role of the philosopher.

Timocracyappears in The Republic

Timocracy, or government by honor or spirit, is, according to Socrates, the second best form of government after rule by philosophers. Timocracy is basically military rule, in which the philosophers have been displaced by those who are considered most honorable. It is fundamentally flawed since reason is no longer the ruling principle, but still maintains some good.

Oligarchyappears in The Republic

Oligarchy is a...