Plato (circa 427–347 BCE) was an Athenian philosopher during the Classical period in Ancient Greece, a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. Known for his dialogues in which he portrays Socrates engaging in philosophical discussions, Plato's works laid the foundation for Western philosophy and science. His Academy was an unprecedented school of learning, and his ideas on the theory of forms, epistemology, and political philosophy remain influential.