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'''Plato's greatest writing was his book called "The Republic," which forms the foundation for the American republican system of government'''.  Under this system, the people typically do not vote directly on issues, but elect representatives who then cast hopefully more informed votes on legislation.  In the ideal state of government imagined by Plato, philosophers ruled the country.

'''Plato's greatest writing was his book called "The Republic," which forms the foundation for the American republican system of government'''.  Under this system, the people typically do not vote directly on issues, but elect representatives who then cast hopefully more informed votes on legislation.  In the ideal state of government imagined by Plato, philosophers ruled the country.

Plato's finest student was Aristotle, perhaps the greatest philosopher of all time.  Aristotle lived from 384-322 B.C., and wrote a treatise that is still taught in the finest university philosophy departments.  Aristotle came to the Academy when he was 17 and remained there until the death of Plato twenty years later.  But Aristotle's approach was the opposite of Plato's: Aristotle thought experience was the key to knowledge, and embarked on the massive task of observing and compiling as much information as possible.  In contrast to Plato's interest in physics and math, Aristotle was fascinated by biology and classified over 500 animal species.  He ultimately founded his own school, the Lyceum, and equipped it with specimens, libraries, maps and other accouterments found in modern universities.  Less impressive was how Aristotle defended the usefulness of slavery.

'''Plato's finest student was Aristotle, perhaps the greatest philosopher of all time.  Aristotle lived from 384 to 322 B.C.''', and wrote a treatise that is still taught in the finest university philosophy departments.  Aristotle came to the Academy when he was 17 and remained there until the death of Plato twenty years later.  '''But Aristotle's approach was the opposite of Plato's: Aristotle thought experience was the key to knowledge, and embarked on the massive task of observing and compiling as much information as possible'''.  In contrast to Plato's interest in physics and math, Aristotle was fascinated by biology and classified over 500 animal species.  He ultimately founded his own school, the Lyceum, and equipped it with specimens, libraries, maps and other accouterments found in modern universities.  Less impressive was how Aristotle defended the usefulness of slavery.

Another disciple of Socrates, Antisthenes, founded Cynicism, a philosophy which, not surprisingly in light of his name "Cynicism", focuses on the negative aspects of life.  The cynics believed the cares and pleasures of the natural world were small, and they rejected materialism.  Only the pursuit of virtue could bring happiness.  They believed no divine force existed, and that only through extreme self-discipline could virtue and simplicity be attained and happiness found.  Diogenes was the most famous "Cynic".   

Another disciple of Socrates, Antisthenes, founded Cynicism, a philosophy which, not surprisingly in light of his name "Cynicism", focuses on the negative aspects of life.  The cynics believed the cares and pleasures of the natural world were small, and they rejected materialism.  Only the pursuit of virtue could bring happiness.  They believed no divine force existed, and that only through extreme self-discipline could virtue and simplicity be attained and happiness found.  Diogenes was the most famous "Cynic".