MAJOR ETHICAL

PHILOSOPHERS
LESSON OBJECTIVES
AT THE END OF THIS LESSON, THE STUDENTS
SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

 Identify the classic philosophies and philosopher;

 Describe those philosophies’ implications for business
principles and practices;
 Compare and contrast classical philosophies as they relate
to the business settings;
 And give example of how belief systems affect business
practice.
 PLATO
"Good actions give strength to
ourselves and inspire good actions in
others."
ORIGIN OF PLATO’S
NAME
PLATO

GREEK (PLATON)

MEANS (BROAD – SHOULDERED)

WHO IS PLATO?
PLATO (Aristocles Plato) was a Greek
philosopher and one of the most important
figures in the development of Western
philosophy.

He was born in Athens, Greece, around 428/427

BC.

He was born into an aristocratic family in

Athens and was a student of Socrates.
WHO ARE
PLATO’S
PARENTS

His father, Ariston, came
from an old and noble Perictione was a relative of
Athenian family, but little
else is known about him.
Plato's mother, Perictione,
was related to the famous
Athenian statesman Solon.
Some accounts suggest that
the philosopher and
mathematician Pythagoras,
who had a significant
influence on Plato's
thought.
JOURNEY
IN ATHENS
After Socrates' execution in 399 BC, Plato left Athens and traveled to
Italy, Egypt, and Sicily, where he studied philosophy and politics.

In 387 BC, Plato founded the Academy in Athens also known as the
Platonic Academy or the School of Athens, which became one of the most
important centers of learning in the ancient world.

This school was located in a grove of trees that had once belonged to a
legendary Athenian hero named Akademos, hence the name "Academy".

It offered courses in a wide range of subjects, including philosophy,

mathematics, astronomy, and politics.

Plato's Academy was also notable for its emphasis on dialogue and
discussion as a means of learning, also the students were encouraged to
ask questions, engage in debate, and develop their own ideas through
critical thinking.
CONTRIBUTION
IN PHILOSOPHY
Theory of Forms:
• Plato's Theory of Forms is one of his
most famous contributions to
philosophy. According to this theory,
the physical world is an imperfect copy
of the perfect, eternal world of Forms,
which are abstract entities that exist
independently of the physical world.
Socratic Method:
• Plato's teacher, Socrates, is known for his
method of questioning, which is now
known as the Socratic method. Plato
continued to use this method in his own
teaching, and it is still widely used in
philosophical inquiry today.
Ethics:

• Plato's ethical philosophy is based on the

idea that a good life is one that is based
on reason and guided by moral
principles. He believed that knowledge
of the Forms was necessary for moral
and ethical behavior.
Political Theory:
• Plato's political philosophy is explored in
his famous work, The Republic. In it, he
discusses the ideal state and government,
and how it should be organized to
promote justice and the common good.
Epistemology:
• Plato's philosophy of knowledge, or
epistemology, is also based on the
Theory of Forms. He believed that true
knowledge could only be attained
through reason and contemplation of the
Forms.
Metaphysics:
• Plato's metaphysics explores
the nature of reality,
existence, and being. His
theory of Forms is a key part
of his metaphysical system.
 Implications for
business principles and
practices
THE REPUBLIC

He believed that
everyone should do what
Plato argued that
they are best suited
justice is essential for
for, and that the rulers
creating a harmonious
of society should be the
and stable society.
wisest and most virtuous
individuals.
SOUL

He argued that the soul

is immortal and that the
ultimate goal of human
life is to achieve
happiness and
fulfillment through the
development of one's
soul.
EDUCATION

Plato also believed in

the importance of
education, and that
individuals should
strive to develop
their intellect and
character.
 SIMILARITIES
• Emphasis on Reason and Rationality
• Ethical Behavior
Compare the philosophies of Plato as
• Search for Truth
• Importance of Education
they relate to the business settings
• Focus on the Greater Good

Differences

• Different goals
• Different values
• Different methods
• Different structures
• Different audiences
Plato’s Perspective about ethics
in business or a company
 DEATH OF PLATO
 He died in Athens in 348/347 BC
 THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING