Plato (c. 427-347 BCE) was a pivotal figure in ancient Greek philosophy, a student of Socrates, and the teacher of Aristotle. He is best known for founding the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. Plato’s works are primarily written as dialogues, where philosophical ideas are explored through conversations between characters. His writings cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, epistemology, and metaphysics. Gorgias is one of his early dialogues, where he examines the role of rhetoric and its ethical implications, making the case for philosophy as the only true guide to living a virtuous life.

Plato’s influence extends beyond philosophy to numerous fields, including education and political theory. His concept of the philosopher-king, explored in The Republic, remains one of the most discussed ideas in political philosophy. Through his dialogues, Plato sought to uncover universal truths and challenge assumptions, shaping the intellectual landscape of Western thought for millennia.