Aristocles Plato, one of the most renowned philosophers of all time, once wrote, “Love is born into every human being; it calls back the halves of our original nature together; it tries to make one out of two and heal the wound of human nature” in his Symposium (qtd. in Waterfield). In 387 BCE, he founded the Academy, significantly shaping Western philosophy and thought (Guthrie 43). Plato’s philosophical influence has been immense, impacting various disciplines including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and ontology. He introduced several renowned theories on how the world functions as well as the essence of interpersonal relationships— both of which helped shape people’s understanding of reality and promoted cooperation among human beings. Throughout his journeys, he recorded his thoughts and dialogues of philosophical debates in the form of literature, allowing future generations to experience his perception of reality. His method of philosophical inquiry has also been instrumental in developing Western philosophy. It is evident that Plato’s theories positively influence the mindsets of modern young adults and Western culture by coining the theory of platonic love, encouraging reflection on the definition of knowledge, and providing a glimpse into the metaphysical Platonist philosophical system, which affects most aspects of life, including education and understanding of human existence.

Platonic Love

           Plato’s philosophy of love, as presented in his Symposium, involves the pursuit of spiritual immortality through a non-sexual relationship. It has had a profound impact on modern society, especially in the context of same-sex desire, internet romance, and the acceptance of platonic love. The Symposium provides a framework for understanding the nature of love and how it can be used to achieve higher knowledge and virtue. Plato distinguished between two types of love: "Common" and "Heavenly". Common love is characterized by a desire for physical beauty and pleasure, whereas Heavenly love is characterized by a desire for spiritual beauty and knowledge. He argued that the ultimate goal of love is the attainment of wisdom, which can exclusively be achieved through a non-sexual relationship, which is typically seen in a homosexual relationship. Plato uses the example of the love between Alcibiades and Socrates to illustrate the nature of platonic love. Alcibiades was a young, handsome Athenian who was in love with Socrates, a much older and less physically attractive man (Plato 36). Despite the disparities between their ages and appearances, Alcibiades was attracted to Socrates’ wisdom and valued their spiritual connection rather than their pursuits of physical pleasure. This love between the two men was not sexual but was rather a pursuit of spiritual connection and higher knowledge. The essence of platonic love can be captured in the sentence, “Now the god who implanted this in us, and who gave us the power to see and to hear and to think and to remember all those things of which the remembrance makes us wise, provided that Love should be our leader in this path" (Plato 68). This innovative definition of love strongly correlates with the intention to pursue spiritual immortality and higher knowledge in relationships, promoting the acceptance and normalization of same-sex relationships in modern societies. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of platonic love in romantic relationships. Many young adults now believe that the pursuit of spiritual connection and higher knowledge is just as important as physical attraction and the pursuit of carnal pleasure in a romantic relationship (Secomb 12). Furthermore, the concept of platonic love has been further explored and expanded upon in the context of internet romance. The rise of online dating has created new opportunities for people to connect and form relationships based on shared interests and values rather than physical attraction. In many ways, the internet has made it easier for people to pursue platonic love and to foster meaningful connections with others who share their interests and values rather than focus solely on physical intimacy (111). In addition to its impact on modern society, Plato's philosophy of love has influenced subsequent philosophical and cultural traditions. Renaissance humanism, for example, was heavily influenced by Plato's emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge and virtue. Humanists believed that pursuing knowledge and virtue within a relationship was essential to developing a well-rounded and fulfilled human being.

Theory of Knowledge

           Plato’s Theory of Forms was essential to his epistemology, which states that knowledge of the physical world is only attainable through knowledge of invisible, eternal, unchanging forms and ideas. Forms are the essential concepts or archetypes that exist outside the physical world, and they are independent of physical reality (Sedley 231). In contrast, their physical counterparts are changing and imperfect (231). This concept is critical to Plato's philosophy and is a central theme throughout his works, particularly in his famous book, the Republic: “If then, the knowledge which we acquire from sense is knowledge of the changing, and sense is cognizant not of being but of becoming, must not the knowledge which is acquired from sense be knowledge, not of that which really is, but of that which is becoming; not of being, but of that which is not being?” (Plato 477). Here, Plato argues that knowledge acquired through our senses is not true knowledge of what really is, but rather a perception of what is in a state of becoming or changing. Senses can only provide human beings with information about the physical world and its constantly changing qualities, such as color, shape, texture, and sound (Brown). Therefore, true knowledge, which is not subject to change, must come from the world of Forms or Ideas. Plato's theory of Forms has profoundly impacted various fields of study, especially design and mathematics (Brown). By understanding the Forms, designers can create objects inspired by the visual forms and harmony that reflect these forms’ perfect immutable qualities’ (Brown). Similarly, mathematics was also influenced by Plato, as he believed that abstract mathematical concepts, such as numbers and geometrical shapes, were eternal and unchanging Forms that existed independently of the physical world (Brown). The principle greatly influences modern-day teenagers by understanding the logic behind forms presented in these two subjects.

           Abstract Object Theory is another contemporary philosophical theory that draws on Plato’s epistemology to argue for the existence of abstract objects, such as numbers and propositions, that exist independent of the physical world. In Plato’s opinion and the description of his metaphysical system, real knowledge is often abstract is never out of date, and remains timeless in the universe regardless of how space and time shift or change around (Sedley 231). Numbers and propositions of mathematics are examples of abstract knowledge (Zalta). Plato’s theory is summarized thus: “There exist objects which are not located in space or time, such as numbers and propositions. These objects, which are often called 'abstract objects,' are sometimes claimed to be needed to explain certain phenomena, such as mathematical truths or the meaning of sentences” (Zalta). Similar to his definition of knowledge, both the Abstract Object theory and theories related to the existence of information encourage future generations to contemplate the truth behind reality.

           While it is commonly believed that the Abstract Object Theory is innovative and brings a new perspective to society, it lacks empirical evidence. Some philosophers and experts suggest that Plato’s theory on abstract objects lacks support because abstract objects were merely used to construct civilization as patterns, icons, and symbols are created as a part of languages (Goodman 22). The abstract items are also argued to be simply organizational tools and notational devices that enhance communication (23). Neither empirical information nor evidence can be used to support Plato’s theory or assumption, apart from his own reasoning. “Abstract objects are by their very nature causally inert and unknowable to empirical investigation” (Maddy 248). However, the subject of philosophy is hard to justify because its essence is just to study the nature of existence, knowledge, and reality at a basic level (Oxford Dictionary). In some cases, the features and data collected from reality cannot be used to justify claims and assumptions related to reality. Therefore, despite the lack of evidence for Abstract Object theory, it still examines the characteristics of abstract figures in human knowledge, providing a new perspective on how particular pieces of knowledge can be viewed. These are thought-provoking for most teenagers who enjoy questioning the reality behind human existence and how knowledge is formed.

Establishment of the First Academy

           Plato’s educational system and the establishment of his Academy played a significant role in spreading his philosophical ideas and shaping the minds of young scholars, contributing to the enduring impact of Platonism on modern thought. Plato established the world’s very first University, naming it the “Academy,” or “Academia” in Greek (Guthrie 288). As someone interested in various philosophical inquiries and education, Plato was motivated to find institutions that cultivated values he perceived as crucial for one’s development. These values include the eagerness to seek truth and knowledge, living a fulfilling life, and advancing understanding of the world on a daily basis. As the first person who decided to propagate education and knowledge to the extent that it could influence a large group of people, he demanded a strong state-controlled education for both men and women. The four main subjects taught at Plato’s Academy were Mathematics, Philosophy, Science, and Political Theory, in the form of dialectical discussion (Guthrie 291; Brickhouse 148). The dialectical method involves a dialogue between two people engaging in a back-and-forth discussion that includes refining arguments and challenging assumptions to gain a deeper understanding of a particular concept or idea (Brickhouse 150). Plato insisted that obtaining true knowledge requires an active engagement with ideas through discussion and debate with students actively participating (150). This method, commonly known as the Socratic method, has significantly influenced modern teaching and discussion methods, including the Harkness method. The Harkness discussion method was developed in the 1930s by philanthropist Edward Harkness, who was influenced by his experiences as a student at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he observed the Socratic method being used in teaching (McConaghy). This approach is similar to the Socratic method, emphasizing critical thinking and active participation. Both approaches are designed to stimulate reflection and promote a deeper understanding of the subject matter, which allows young adults to discover intrinsic values and thoughts (McConaghy).

           Additionally, Plato believed that physical education should be an integral part of education and that exercise and sport were important for developing both the mind and body. This idea has influenced the development of physical education in Western culture regardless of age and grade, particularly in the emphasis placed on physical education in schools (Fairs 17). Plato emphasized that physical education is needed to ensure that students are not only intellectually developed but are also physically disciplined and healthy.

Platonic Metaphysical Philosophy System

           Platonism in metaphysics has profoundly influenced modern thought, inspiring new ideas and challenging long-held assumptions about the nature of reality and knowledge. Platonism's pursuit of true knowledge, found in the world of ideas, is at the core of its philosophical system. One of the key concepts of Platonism is the idea of two realms within universals, the physical world and the world of ideas, which presented a similar viewpoint to the theory of knowledge and the abstract object theory. Another key concept was that universals could be understood as qualities, properties, or attributes that are common to a group of objects, and they can be either concrete or abstract (Zalta). Concrete universals are qualities that are directly observable in individual objects, such as color, size, or shape.

           On the other hand, abstracts are concepts that are not directly observable in individual objects, such as justice, love, or beauty (Zalta). The philosophical system and such concepts have significantly impacted Western culture, including early Christian thought and the development of Christoplatonism. Plato highlights that the divine source is the ultimate truth and seeks to understand it through a combination of reason and mystical experience (Zalta). Later scholars acknowledge Plato’s contribution by saying “Plato’s idea of the One and the soul's ascent to the divine had a profound influence on Christian ideas of salvation and the relationship between God and humanity” (Bowersock 23). Plato’s postulation helped later Western generations form their relationship with god within particular religions. More recently, Plato’s philosophy inspired the creation of Christoplatonism in 2013, which portrays material as evil and spirit as good in pursuit of living in a resurrected universe for all eternity (Alcorn). This variation of Christianity and Platonism gives a new perspective to teenage Christians, allowing them to question the relationship between the material and spiritual realms.

           In conclusion, Plato's philosophical theories have made an immense impact on Western philosophy, shaping twenty-first-century teenagers’ understanding of reality, and promoting cooperation among human beings through Platonic Love, Theory of Forms, Abstract Object theory, Academy, and Platonism in Metaphysics. His Platonic Love Theory was thoroughly explained in the Symposium and Republic, which contributed to the exploration of internet romance and acceptance of same-sex relationships. His Theory of Forms outlined the limitations of senses and provided a framework for modern teenagers to understand the nature of knowledge and the existence of objects. Aristocles Plato’s philosophical contributions have continued to impact modern educational institutions in terms of pedagogy and enhanced teenagers’ critical thinking skills. As someone who challenged reality by giving more insights into the essence of love and knowledge, Plato should be regarded as a remarkable innovator.