Athena Vale
Plato is known as one of the most influential philosophers of all time. However, he was also a wrestler, and his physical strength is thought to have contributed to his influence. There are even claims that Plato would settle debates by standing up and flexing his muscles. While this is likely a myth, it is clear that Plato's physique played a role in his impact as a philosopher. His wrestling career informed his philosophical work, and he believed that martial arts could be a form of ethical competition, helping to develop virtues such as perseverance and courage.
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What You'll Learn
Plato's wrestling career
Plato, the influential ancient Greek philosopher, is known to have had an illustrious wrestling career. While he is renowned for his contributions to philosophy, his physical prowess was also admired by his contemporaries. According to the historian Diogenes Laertius, Plato's wrestling coach, Ariston of Argos, gave him the nickname "Platon," derived from the word "plat-", meaning "broad," due to his large chest and shoulders. This nickname is also connected to wrestling by Alexander Polyhistor, who suggests that it was coined in adulthood as a reference to his figure.
Plato's involvement in wrestling likely influenced his philosophical work. In his dialogue "Laws," he celebrated the benefits of stand-up grappling, arguing that it cultivated character when practised with a gallant spirit. Plato believed that martial arts provided training in ethical competition, encouraging psychological excellence, perseverance, courage, and autonomy. The lessons he learned from wrestling, such as resilience, hard work, and flexibility, likely contributed to his skills as an interlocutor and philosopher, making his ideas more impactful and his legacy more memorable.
Plato's impressive physique, honed through his wrestling endeavours, added to his authority and influence. Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, described Plato as "fine-looking and strong," while Simplicius of Cilicia, a commentator on Aristotle, noted that he had "beautiful eyes." Plato's physical appearance may have subconsciously influenced his contemporaries, leading them to find his ideas more reasonable.
Furthermore, Plato's wrestling career extended beyond philosophy to the realm of competition. It is reported by Dicaearchus in his book "On Lives" that Plato wrestled in the Isthmian Games, showcasing his dedication to the sport. While there are no records of his performance or victories, his participation in these games underscores his commitment to wrestling and further highlights the impact of this sport on his life and intellectual pursuits.
In conclusion, Plato's wrestling career was an integral aspect of his life that shaped his philosophical work and influenced his contemporaries. His physical strength and skills in wrestling contributed to his authority and impact as a philosopher, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be studied and admired today.
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Plato's influence on philosophy
Plato (429?–347 B.C.E.), an Athenian citizen of high status, is considered one of the most influential authors in the history of philosophy. His works display an interest in the political events and intellectual movements of his time, and the questions he raises and the strategies he uses to tackle them have influenced readers and philosophers throughout history.
Plato's works blend ethics, political philosophy, moral psychology, epistemology, and metaphysics into an interconnected and systematic philosophy. One of his most well-known theories is the Theory of Forms, which posits that the world we perceive through our senses is only an imitation of a pure, eternal, and unchanging world of Forms. These Forms include abstract objects such as goodness, beauty, equality, bigness, likeness, unity, being, sameness, difference, change, and changelessness. Plato's works also introduced the concept of "Platonic love," the idea that love is motivated by a longing for the highest Form of beauty and is the driving force behind the greatest achievements.
Plato was strongly influenced by his teacher, Socrates, whom he considered the most just man of his time. Socrates' focus on moral and political issues, rather than cosmology and ontology, had a significant impact on Plato's philosophy. Plato's works often feature Socrates as the main character, and through him, Plato explores various doctrines and arguments. Other influences on Plato include Heraclitus of Ephesus, Parmenides, Zeno, Pythagoras, and the Athenian legislator, statesman, and poet Solon.
Plato's political philosophy is a significant aspect of his work. He believed that all existing governments were flawed and criticized popular religious beliefs that attributed vices to the gods and heroes. Freedom of speech and the expression of opinions were important values for Plato, and he saw these as fundamental requirements for philosophical inquiry. Plato's Republic, Statesman, Laws, and several shorter dialogues are considered his strictly political dialogues, although political philosophy permeates much of his work.
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Plato's relationship with Aristotle
Plato and Aristotle are regarded as two of the greatest figures in Western philosophy. Aristotle was Plato's student and colleague at the Academy in Athens, an institution founded by Plato for philosophical, scientific, and mathematical research and teaching. Aristotle studied with Plato for 20 continuous years and was one of his top students. He revered his teacher and adopted his philosophic method of dialogue/dialectic between different points of view to arrive at a better understanding of the truth. Aristotle is said to have remarked, "Plato is dear to me, but dearer still is the truth".
While Aristotle's extant works occasionally criticise Plato, and their philosophies differ in important respects, there is little basis for characterising their relationship as antagonistic. Aristotle's philosophy is considered empirical, practical, and commonsensical, while Plato's is seen as abstract and utopian. Aristotle also explored areas of philosophy and science that Plato did not.
Both philosophers were concerned with the central problem of ethics: the achievement of happiness, or a good human life. They agreed with other ancient ethicists that happiness was acquired through virtue, and that the just or completely virtuous person was one whose soul was in harmony. However, they differed in their conception of virtue. For Plato, virtue encompassed qualities such as courage, piety, and temperance, while Aristotle, following Socrates, held that virtue was a kind of knowledge that led to virtuous action.
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Plato's physical appearance
Some sources suggest that Plato's name may have been derived from his physical appearance. The name "Plato" is built on the root "plat-", meaning "broad, flat", which could be a reference to his figure. However, others argue that Plato was simply born with the name, which was not uncommon in Athens.
While there are no detailed descriptions of Plato's specific physical features, the consistent admiration for his stature and physique suggest that he was physically imposing and commanded respect from his peers. This aspect of his physical appearance may have had a significant impact on how his philosophical ideas were received and perceived by others.
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Plato's views on martial arts
Plato, the influential Greek philosopher, is known to have advocated for the practice of martial arts, specifically wrestling. He is reported to have had a strong and admirable physique, with a wrestling nickname, "Platon," meaning "broad-shouldered." Plato's interest in wrestling extended beyond physical exercise, as he believed that martial arts provided ethical and philosophical benefits.
In his writing, Plato celebrated the virtues developed through wrestling, such as strength, health, and character cultivation. He also recognised the military applications of wrestling, which could prepare individuals for battle by enhancing their physical prowess and mental fortitude. Plato's perspective on martial arts was deeply intertwined with his philosophical beliefs. He considered martial arts to be a form of ethical competition, fostering virtues such as passion, pride, fortitude, and self-command.
Plato's dialogue, "Laws," provides insight into his thoughts on the matter. He admired the athlete Iccus of Tarentum, who prioritised sport over sexual indulgence. Plato argued that the self-discipline and dedication exhibited by Iccus in his training could be applied to public life, leading to a more virtuous and fulfilling existence. This outlook highlights Plato's belief in the transformative power of martial arts, shaping not only one's physical capabilities but also one's ethical character.
Plato's own participation in wrestling likely influenced his philosophical ideas. His wrestling career taught him valuable lessons in resilience, hard work, and flexibility, which he could then apply to philosophical discourse. By embracing the challenges posed by opponents in both wrestling and philosophical discussions, Plato could strengthen his arguments and become a more effective interlocutor.
In conclusion, Plato's views on martial arts, particularly wrestling, extended beyond the physical realm. He recognised the ethical and philosophical benefits of martial arts training, believing that it cultivated virtues such as discipline, courage, and perseverance. Plato's advocacy for wrestling and his renowned physique likely contributed to his influence as a philosopher, as his contemporaries associated his physical strength with mental prowess.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence to support the claim that Plato settled debates by flexing his muscles. However, it is widely acknowledged that Plato had a respectable physique and was a wrestler.
Plato's nickname was "Platon", which means "broad-shouldered". This nickname was given to him by his wrestling coach, Ariston of Argos, due to his large chest and shoulders.
Yes, it is believed that Plato competed in the Isthmian Games. Plato also recommended wrestling for youth as he believed it cultivated character.
Plato's impressive physique may have contributed to his influence as a philosopher, as his contemporaries believed his mind to be as good as his body. His physical strength may have intimidated his opponents and influenced them to find his ideas more reasonable.
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