Plato: a basic introduction

Published: Feb. 24, 2021, 9:15 p.m.

As a young man, Plato encountered Socrates. Socrates inspired many philosophic schools, but by far the most influential was that created by Plato, the Academy. Plato is perhaps the most stylistically gifted writer of philosophy and in some ways the most challenging. His thoughts are always buried in the words or discourse of characters, and often the character of Socrates. Are the ideas Plato's or Socrates'? Are the ideas just talking points to inspire discussion?