A Dictionary of Philosophy, Third Edition
. 427–348/7 BC. Earliest European philosopher of whom substantial works survive. Pupil of SOCRATES, founder of Academy (probably c.385 BC), teacher of ARISTOTLE.
Lived mostly in Athens, with occasional visits to Sicily where he tried unsuccessfully to put into practice the ideal state of his dialogue Republic. Contributed to all the main branches of philosophy, notably with his theory of ‘FORMS’ or ‘IDEAS’. Wrote some thirty-four dialogues, which all survive. See also ALBERT, BEING (bibliography), DIALECTIC, EDUCATION (bibliography), EMPIRICISM, IDEALISM, LANGUAGE (PHILOSOPHY OF), MEANING, METAPHYSICS, NEOPLATONISTS, PLEASURE (bibliography), POLITICAL (bibliography), PYTHAGORAS, SCEPTICISM, SOPHISTS, SUBSTANCE (bibliography), THIRD MAN ARGUMENT, UNIVERSALS.
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