The world of philosophy is filled with great minds and thinkers who have left an indelible mark on human history. Among these luminaries are two names that stand out: one is known for his teachings, while the other is known for recording them.
But who came first? The answer may surprise you. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of ancient Greek philosophy and explore the lives and works of two of its most influential figures.
So sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through time as we answer the age-old question: Who came first, Plato or Socrates?
Who Came First Plato Or Socrates
To answer the question of who came first, we need to understand the relationship between Plato and Socrates. Socrates was a great philosopher who lived in Athens around 400 BC. He was known for his teachings, but he never wrote anything down himself. Instead, his student and fellow philosopher, Plato, recorded his teachings in his dialogues.
While Socrates was the first of the two to exist, Plato was the first to record their teachings. This means that while Socrates came first chronologically, Plato came first in terms of leaving a written record of their work.
The Life And Teachings Of Socrates
Socrates was a moral philosopher who believed that the quality of one’s soul was more important than material possessions. He dedicated his life to understanding the virtues and educating others on how to be virtuous as well, which he believed led to true happiness. Socrates was not interested in mathematics or science but was concerned with how we should live, leading him to discussions on various virtues such as wisdom, justice, courage, and piety.
Socrates’ mission was to correct false beliefs and care less about bodies and possessions. He taught that wealth does not bring goodness, but goodness brings wealth. He lived according to what he believed and was not interested in material possessions or physical beauty. Socrates took no money for his teaching as the Sophists did.
Socrates believed that ultimate wisdom comes from knowing oneself, and the more a person knows, the greater their ability to reason and make choices that will bring true happiness. He attempted to establish an ethical system based on human reason rather than theological doctrine. Socrates believed that philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society.
Socrates’ contribution to philosophy is significant as he took it in a new direction and was a major influence on subsequent Greek philosophical schools. His famous method of inquiry, known as the Socratic method, involved a series of probing questions that revealed his interlocutor’s complete ignorance of the subject under discussion. This cross-examination used as a pedagogical technique has been called the “Socratic method.”
Socrates’ life ended tragically when he was tried on charges of impiety and corrupting the youth and condemned to death by poisoning in 399 BCE. Plato’s Apology purports to be the speech that Socrates gave in his defense. As depicted in the Apology, Socrates’ trial and death raise vital questions about the nature of democracy, the value of free speech, and the potential conflict between moral and religious obligation and the laws of the state. Despite his tragic end, Socrates’ teachings continue to influence philosophy to this day.
Plato: The Student And Philosopher
Plato was a student of Socrates and one of the most famous philosophers in history. He was born in Athens in 428/427 BCE and was the son of Ariston and Perictione. Plato’s father died when he was young, and his mother remarried with her uncle Pyrilampes. Plato had three brothers, Glaucon, Antiphon, and Adeimantus of Collytus, and one sister, Potone.
Plato was deeply influenced by Socrates’ teachings, and he became his student around 400 BC. After Socrates’ death in 399 BC, Plato continued to develop his philosophy and became a renowned philosopher himself. Plato’s writings were heavily influenced by Socrates’ teachings, and he is known for his dialogues that feature Socrates as the main character.
Plato went on to found the Athens Academy, which was the first institution of higher learning in the western world. He explored various areas of philosophy, including math, nature, politics, science, and morals. One of his most famous works is The Republic, where he discusses the ideal government led by philosophers and criticizes democracy.
Plato also developed the Theory of Forms, which posits that the world of ideas is the only constant and that the perceived world through our senses is deceptive and changeable. This idea has had a significant impact on philosophy and has been widely discussed and debated throughout history.
The Relationship Between Socrates And Plato
The relationship between Socrates and Plato was that of a teacher and student. Socrates was Plato’s elder by a few decades, and Plato became his student in his youth. Plato was greatly influenced by Socrates’ teachings and turned his attention to the question of what constitutes a virtuous life.
Plato wrote extensively about Socrates in his dialogues, which are our primary source of information about Socrates. Three of Plato’s four writings concerning the last days of Socrates come from the earliest “Socratic” period: Euthyphro, the Apology, and the Crito. These writings provide insight into Socrates’ thoughts on piety, his defense at his trial, and his decision to accept his punishment of death.
Plato’s high regard for his mentor is evident in his writings, leading some scholars to suspect that he may have failed to disclose some of the most compelling evidence of Socrates’ guilt in his Apology. However, other scholars argue that Plato’s account must be fairly accurate, as he wrote at a time when many of his readers would have had firsthand knowledge of the trial.
The Works Of Plato: An Overview
Plato is one of the most well-known and widely studied philosophers in the world. His writings cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, political philosophy, moral psychology, epistemology, and metaphysics. Many of his works are written in the form of dialogues, where characters engage in philosophical discussions and debates.
Plato’s early works are primarily focused on the teachings of his mentor, Socrates. These works are considered to be some of the most reliable sources on Socrates and his philosophy. The character of Socrates is often portrayed as the main speaker in these dialogues, and his method of questioning and challenging commonly held beliefs is a central theme.
Plato’s later works are considered to be more reflective of his own philosophical views. The Republic, one of his most famous works, presents a detailed account of an ideal society governed by philosopher-kings. It also introduces the theory of Forms, which suggests that the world we know through our senses is only a shadow or imitation of a perfect world of Forms or Ideas.
Another important concept introduced by Plato is the idea of Platonic love. This type of love is motivated by a longing for the highest Form of beauty – The Beautiful Itself. Love is seen as a motivational power that can lead to the achievement of great things, but Plato also warns against physical expressions of love that may distract us from our highest potentials.
The Legacy Of Socrates And Plato In Modern Philosophy
The legacy of Socrates and Plato in modern philosophy is significant. Socrates’ emphasis on the practice of virtue and the search for truth has influenced many philosophers throughout history. His use of the dialectical method to arrive at universal definitions has become a staple in philosophical inquiry.
Plato’s writings, which recorded Socrates’ teachings, have also had a lasting impact on philosophy. His ideas about the nature of reality, the forms, and the soul have been debated and expanded upon for centuries. Plato’s Academy, which he founded after Socrates’ death, became one of the most influential centers of philosophical thought in the ancient world.
In modern philosophy, many continue to draw on the ideas of Socrates and Plato. The search for truth and wisdom remains a central goal for many philosophers, and the dialectical method is still used as a means of inquiry. Plato’s ideas about the nature of reality continue to be debated and explored, and his influence can be seen in many areas of philosophy, including metaphysics, ethics, and political theory.
Overall, the legacy of Socrates and Plato in modern philosophy is profound. Their ideas continue to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it, and their influence can be seen in many of the philosophical debates that continue to this day.
