Plato

Lysis Plato

Plato was born in Athens around 427 BCE. His aristocratic family background led him into a messy career in politics, which netted him a number of close calls and a permanent disillusionment with governmental pursuits. The death of Socrates (469-399 BCE), his teacher, was a catalyst for Plato, who embarked on a philosophical mission that blossomed into the founding of the Academy in about 387 BCE. Plato offers a very clinical and detached view on "Friendship." There is a utilitarian view on this subject and Socrates subtly implies he prefers having a good friend over love.