Plato’s Philosophy: Ideas, Influences, and Historical Impact
Plato’s Philosophy & Greek Tradition
Plato’s thought is an effort to solve two major problems he inherited from previous philosophy:
- The pre-Socratic problem on the Nature of Things: What is the origin, cause, and foundation of everything that exists?
- The Socratic problem concerning human nature: What is man and how to behave?
The Theory of Ideas solves both problems at once. Indeed, Ideas are the essence of things. Moreover, the man whose soul partakes of the eternity of Ideas should reflect, through his knowledge and actions, their eternal validity, opposing any relativistic approach. This includes reforming the city-state.
Plato’s thought was profoundly influenced by this philosophical tradition and is interpreted as:
Synthesis of Heraclitus & Parmenides
Plato’s notion of the intelligible world, with its characteristics of unity and permanence, is clearly influenced by the philosophy of Parmenides, for whom being is one and immutable. By contrast, the Platonic view of the sensible world, or realm of things, with notes of multiplicity and movement, depends on the thought of Heraclitus, for whom being is reduced to change or becoming. Ideas can be regarded as the equivalent of Platonic Pythagorean numbers or as the result of those concepts that give reality to logic, as Socrates sought through definition.
Socratic Philosophy & Anti-Individualism
The city-state of Athens did not recognize Socrates as an individualist philosopher. Plato criticized the city for not accepting the philosopher and the philosophy he represented. Hence, he advocated for a radical reform of the state, under which philosophy would wield political power. The philosopher, as the true ruler of the state, would lead this Platonic renovated state, even though it does not include Socratic individualism. Thus, the paradox: a man like Socrates, had he not died and had Plato’s Utopia been realized, could not live in the city his disciple ideally designed in The Republic.
Plato’s Era & Political Philosophy
Plato’s philosophy can be understood in light of his age and the political struggles of his time. The Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta for supremacy in Greece ended in victory for Sparta and the collapse of Athenian democracy. Sparta installed thirty aristocrats (some relatives of Plato) in the government of Athens, initiating an oligarchic and tyrannical regime. Later, with the fall of tyranny and the restoration of democracy, popular party supporters sought revenge on the former ruling class. However, an amnesty, enacted to prevent civil war, prevented them from politically charging Socrates, despite various excuses.
The true aim was to punish his person, dignity, and pride. They were willing to banish him, but ultimately condemned him to death.
This historical and social context shaped Plato’s political philosophy, which is based on the Theory of Ideas. It aimed to be a rational alternative to the various systems the philosopher closely observed: military government, aristocracy, oligarchy, tyranny, and democracy.