Plato
Plato (c. 428-348 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, and one of the most important thinkers in the history of Western civilisation. He founded the Academy in Athens, often called the first university, and his writings have shaped philosophy, politics, and religion for nearly 2,500 years.
Plato wrote in the form of dialogues — dramatic conversations, usually led by his teacher Socrates, that explore questions of justice, truth, beauty, love, knowledge, and the ideal society. His best-known works include the Republic, the Symposium, the Apology (Socrates' defence at his trial), Phaedo, and Meno. His theory of 'Forms' — that the physical world reflects a higher realm of perfect ideas — became one of philosophy's most enduring concepts.
Because Socrates wrote nothing himself, most of what we know of him comes through Plato's dialogues, where he appears as the relentless questioner of the 'Socratic method.'
The dialogues are dramatic and often surprisingly readable, but older translations can be stiff. Our editions render the conversations in clear modern English so the arguments stay sharp and engaging. Read a dialogue free, and read or listen with a membership.
Plato in the library · 13 works
Apology
Euthyphro A Philosophical Examination of Morality and Piety
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Phaedo
Phaedrus
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Timaeus Plato’s Cosmological Dialogue on the Nature of the Universe
Audiobooks by Plato
Every Plato title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 13 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about Plato
What did Plato write?
Plato wrote philosophical dialogues, including the Republic, the Symposium, the Apology, Phaedo, Meno, Phaedrus, and many more. Most feature his teacher Socrates in conversation, probing questions of justice, knowledge, love, and the good life. The Republic, on justice and the ideal state, is his most famous and influential work.
Where should I start with Plato?
The Apology — Socrates' speech defending himself at his trial — is short, dramatic, and a perfect introduction. The Symposium, a lively dinner-party discussion of love, is another accessible favourite. The Republic is his masterpiece but is long, so many readers tackle it after a shorter dialogue or two.
What is the Republic about?
The Republic asks what justice is and whether the just life is better than the unjust one. To answer, Socrates and his companions imagine building an ideal city from the ground up, leading to famous discussions of the 'philosopher-king,' the education of citizens, and the nature of reality — including the celebrated 'Allegory of the Cave.' It is one of the foundational texts of Western political philosophy.
What is the Socratic method?
The Socratic method is a way of examining ideas through persistent questioning. In Plato's dialogues, Socrates rarely lectures; instead he asks people to define their terms — justice, courage, piety — and then exposes the contradictions in their answers, pushing them toward deeper understanding. It remains a foundational technique in education and law.
What are Plato's 'Forms'?
Plato's theory of Forms holds that the things we see are imperfect copies of eternal, perfect 'Forms' or Ideas — that every beautiful thing reflects Beauty itself, every just act reflects Justice itself. The physical world, in this view, is a shadow of a higher, unchanging reality. This idea has echoed through philosophy and theology ever since.
When did Plato live?
Plato lived from roughly 428 to 348 BC in ancient Athens, during the classical age of Greek thought. He studied under Socrates, founded the Academy around 387 BC, and taught Aristotle. His life spanned the aftermath of Athens' war with Sparta and the trial and death of Socrates, which deeply marked his work.
Where can I read Plato for free?
Plato's dialogues are in the public domain, and older translations are freely available. Many of them, though, are written in dense Victorian English. Here you can read a dialogue free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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