Number three in our list is Plato. Here we see the first steps of Western philosophical thought. He makes the point that ordinary people limit themselves by only perceiving the shadows of reality, while the philosopher looks for the underlying truths.

Plato brings about, in written form, what we think of today as the Socratic method & and teaching. His use of dialogues or conversations to reveal these truths emphasizes his belief that philosophical thought is brought out in the active exchange of ideas. But he also saw it as more than just an informal give and take but more of a journey through a series of yes or no questions until the proposition in question is brought to a logical impasse.

To Plato, this search for truths becomes a laying bare of the essences or forms of all existence. This would be the true science. He saw this discovery of these forms as almost a religious revelation or ultimate satisfaction.

We also see in Plato his disdain for democracy or the polis is very likely shaped by the condemnation and death of his teacher, Socrates. The significance of this tragedy to Plato, and in-turn to us, is demonstrated by it occupying three of his dialogues, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo.