Symposium and Phaedrus

Plato, born around 428/427 BCE in Athens, was a key figure in shaping Western philosophy. Coming from an aristocratic family, he was exposed early to politics and philosophy. His relationship with Socrates was pivotal, and after Socrates' execution, Plato traveled before founding the Academy, one of the first higher learning institutions. Plato's works, including Republic, Phaedo, and Symposium, have had a profound impact on philosophy, especially through his theory of Forms, which distinguishes the eternal world of ideas from the changing physical world. Through these dialogues, he tackled justice, reality, and the soul's immortality, with Socrates often serving as his central character. His philosophy shaped not only Aristotle but generations of thinkers across many fields. Plato's influence extended into theology, political theory, and the sciences. His Academy became a hub of intellectual activity, attracting students from across the Greek world. Even today, his works, preserved for over 2, 000 years, continue to inspire debate and reflection, cementing his status as one of history's most studied philosophers.