Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, and teacher of Aristotle. He founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. Plato is best known for his philosophical dialogues, which cover topics such as ethics, politics, metaphysics, and epistemology. His most famous works include The Republic, which explores justice and the ideal society, and The Allegory of the Cave, which examines human perception and the search for truth. Plato's theory of Forms, a cornerstone of his philosophy, posits that abstract, non-material ideas are the ultimate reality. His influence on Western thought is immense, shaping fields from political theory to education.