In Plato and the Tyrant, James Romm explains that Plato, born approximately 428 BCE, was deeply influenced by the 30 Tyrants of Athens, a regime involving his cousin Critias that conducted a reign of terror. After the execution of his teacher, Socrates, P

In Plato and the Tyrant, James Romm explains that Plato, born approximately 428 BCE, was deeply influenced by the 30 Tyrants of Athens, a regime involving his cousin Critias that conducted a reign of terror. After the execution of his teacher, Socrates, Plato developed a philosophy centered on a world of eternal forms, which are perfect realities beyond sensory perception. Plato visited Syracuse in 385 BCE, drawn by Dion, the ruler's brother-in-law, who shared Plato'sdisdain for the city's riotous living. This first visit was a colossal failure, as Dionysius the Elder dismissed Plato with dishonor for advocating ethical behavior. (2/8)
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