Plato was a renowned Greek philosopher and was an integral part of the famous trio of philosophers consisting of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The three well-known philosophers together set up the philosophical foundation of the contemporary Western culture.Born in one of the wealthiest and most politically active family in Athens, Plato is described as a bright and modest young man in all the historic sources speaking about him. Coming from a rich family, it can be said that Plato must have been trained in the fields of gymnastics, music, philosophy and grammar by the best of teachers present in that era.

Place and Date of Birth:

Unfortunately, there is no authentic account describing the exact place and date of Plato’s birth. However, based on reliable estimates, it can be concluded that he was born between the years 428 and 427 BC. Famous grammarian, Apollodorus states that Plato’s birth took place in 1st year of the 88th Olympiad i.e. 427 BC on the 7th day of the Thargelion month, the same day on which the Greek god, Apollo was born. Another of Plato’s biographers, Neanthes, argues that Plato was precisely 84 years old when he died. This implies that he was six years younger that Isocrates and was born in the 2nd year of the 87th Olympiad i.e. 429 BC. All the Platonists from the Renaissance believe Plato’s birth to be on the 7th of November.

There have also been numerous arguments on Plato’s birthplace. Diogenes Laertius declares that Plato was born in Aegina within Phidiades’ house. Phidiades is also known to be the son of famous pre-Socratic philosopher, Thales. Aegina is mentioned to be Plato’s birthplace by many other reliable sources as well.

Name, Family and Early Life:

Plato was the third child and son of Ariston of Athens and Perictione. Ariston and Perictione also had three other children; two sons and a daughter. The sons were named Adeimantus and Glaucon and the daughter’s name was Potone.

Ariston is said to have passed away when Plato was very young. However, the exact date or year of his death is extremely hard to point out because of the scarce historic records. As the Athenian law at that time forbade the legitimate independence of any woman, Perictione was forced to marry Pyrilampes, her mother’s brother. Pyrilampes already had son from his previous marriage named Demus, who was widely known for his beauty. Perictione also gave birth to Pyrilampes’ second son, Antiphon who became Plato’s half brother. Therefore, Plato is said to have been raised in a family consisting of six children.

Initially, Plato was named after his grandfather, Aristocles. However, his wrestling teacher, Ariston of Argos, named him Platon, which meant broad. This was because of the robust figure that Plato possessed. Other historic sources mention that Plato’s name was derived because of his thick forehead.

Famous Latin prose writer, Apuleius mentions Plato to be a modest yet sharp young boy who infused his youth with hard work and fruitful study. He was also known to excel in gymnastics and physical exercises. When Plato was entrusted to Socrates for his education, it is believed that Socrates had publicly made a statement saying that a swan has been delivered to his doorstep. Most of Socrates’ teachings have been documented, not by Socrates himself, but by his most devoted disciple, Plato.

Description: Plato was a famous ancient Greek philosopher who, along with his teacher Socrates and his disciple Aristotle, set up the philosophical foundation of the modern-day Western culture.