Plato, also known as Platon or Eflatun, was an ancient Greek philosopher and sage. He was the founder of the Academy, one of the first higher education institutions in the world and the origin of the term "academy" itself. Plato marks a turning point in the history of thought and laid the foundations for many debates in the history of philosophy and science. His ideas have deeply influenced major religions such as Christianity and Islam.

Together with his teacher Socrates and his student Aristotle, Plato is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of philosophy. Many of his claims remain significant and continue to be discussed today, contributing to various fields of thought.

Plato is considered the founder of political philosophy. His Theory of Forms, which argues that universal truths can only be known through reason, his conception of the soul as composed of three parts—reason, spirit, and desire—and his belief that harmony must be achieved through the rule of reason, form the basis of his ethical and political thought. These theories have played a major role throughout history in discussions on reason, soul, body, universals, ethics, and the state.