Plato (428 - 348 BC) was a philosopher, as well as mathematician, in Classical Greece and an influential figure in philosophy, central in Western philosophy. He was Socrates' student, and founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Along with Socrates and his most famous student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the foundations of Western philosophy and science. Plato's philosophical ability is evident in his Socratic dialogues; thirty-six dialogues and thirteen letters have been ascribed to him, although 15-18 of these are contested. Plato's dialogues have been used to teach a range of subjects, including philosophy, logic, ethics, rhetoric, religion and mathematics. His other notable and influential work is the theory of Forms, which began a unique perspective on abstract objects, and led to a school of thought called Platonism. Plato's writings have been published in several fashions; this has led to several conventions regarding the naming and referencing of Plato's texts. In this book: The Republic Translator: Benjamin Jowett Apology, Also known as "The Death of Socrates" Translator: Benjamin Jowett Symposium Translator: Benjamin Jowett Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates Translator: HENRY CARY, M.A., Phaedrus Translator: Benjamin Jowett Gorgias Translator: Benjamin Jowett Phaedo, The Last Hours Of Socrates Translator: Benjamin Jowett Theaetetus Translator: Benjamin Jowett