The Impact of Greece's Political and Social Conditions (Fifth Century B.C.) on Plato's Political Thought

Plato is the first philosopher who states his political views in a sound philosophical system. The testimony to this statement is his two important works, i.e. Republic (Politeia) and Laws (Nomoi) in which one can trace his political views. Plato’s political writings indicate that his life as a great philosopher has never been devoid of the political and social issues of his time. The fusion of politics, metaphysics, ethics and education in Plato’s works demonstrate that he was involved in political and social problems in an important and eventful period. Since no thought is created without passing through the historical bottlenecks, an attempt is made here to examine the impacts of Greece’s eventful and flourishing period, i.e. the fifth century B.C., on Plato’s political views as the recognition of the effective factors influencing the views of a philosopher which will help the researcher understand the historical trends.