Plato, a prominent figure in Classical Greek philosophy, was not only a philosopher and mathematician but also a disciple of Socrates. He authored profound philosophical dialogues and established the Academy in Athens, marking the inception of higher education in the Western world. Collaborating with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato played a pivotal role in shaping the principles of Western philosophy and science.
It is worth noting that Plato's poetic inclinations stem not from prioritizing poetry over philosophy, but from adopting a poetic perspective on knowledge. He places great emphasis on the significance of immediacy and intuition in both knowledge and logical reasoning. While he consistently incorporates rigorous arguments and meticulous logical deductions, he ultimately anchors all reasoning in intellectual insight and immediate visionary perception.
 
With an introduction by A D Lindsay. Part of the Everyman’s Library Series.