Philosopher · 428 BC – 348 BC

Plato

Little-Known Facts

The name 'Plato' may be a nickname meaning 'broad', possibly referring to his build or his eloquence.
The Academy he founded operated, in various forms, for nearly 900 years.

Did Plato write down his own opinions directly?

Rarely. Plato wrote dialogues in which characters — usually Socrates — argue, so scholars still debate which views are truly Plato's own.