Introductory Remarks
Plato (427-347BC) is a major example of a philosopher who undertook to formulate a comprehensive vision of the world and of man’s place in it. Plato’s impact on the history of Western thought is immeasurable. He has lived through the centuries; his writings have been studied and used in different ways by various philosophers. For example, some of his central metaphysical doctrines were incorporated in the philosophical outlook of those who played a major role in laying the groundwork of the theological system of Judaism and Christianity. Others turned to him for inspiration and support in formulating their political theories and programmes. Still, others appeal to Plato in working out their views about the philosophy (or ‘foundations’) of mathematics. But there are also people for who Plato’s major doctrines are the very embodiment of errors. Generally, however, Plato cannot be ignored in any serious study of philosophy. Alfred North Whitehead, one of the outstanding philosophers of the 20th century, in a much-quoted remark, once characterised the history of Western philosophy as a ‘series of footnotes to Plato’. This is a brief, forgivably exaggerated, yet true statement of the case.
