Socrates Plato Philosophy Essay

Socrates, Plato and Aristotle—three philosophers that laid the foundation for Western philosophy as we know it today. In a chain of teacher-student relationships, Socrates’ teachings directly shaped Plato’s and in turn Aristotle’s philosophy. Together, their teachings had major implications for the meaning of education and the subsequent role it should play in society.

The oldest of the three philosophers, Socrates, was born 470 BCE and passed in 399 BCE. Socrates has been credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. The majority of what we know about Socrates stems from the surviving body of published work of his students, such as Plato, and his written piece, The Apology. Socrates thought that the acquiring of knowledge meant

The Academy taught mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Plato saw education as an avenue to achieve justice. He believed that common good could be achieved through the teachings of music, gymnastics, and dialectics—all necessary to achieve the ideal individual and city. The ideal individual and city meant achieving both independent and social justice. This state of justice can be achieved once one develops to his or her full ability and potential. Plato wrote, “A purpose of education is to create a balance, a harmonious state; where the workers are to be trained to obey their masters and offer important economic services to the state.” Plato thought the role of education was to assure people were fit for their different roles within productive society. Not only that, but also, education ought to further improve the ability of every individual—an ideology that championed the advancement and benefit of the state and individual. Plato felt strongly that all classes within society could achieve social justice when each class respected one another and all were given equal opportunity, particularly in regards to education. Plato believed that every individual should be given equal opportunity to be educated starting at a young age. This equity allows for a system of order that allows social