Plato (437-347) was Socrates’ student prodigy. His actual name was Aristocles while Plato was a nickname, referring to his broad figure. In early adulthood he came under Socrates’ tuteledge and decided to devote himself to philosophy.

Plato divides reality into two levels:  ontos, the ethereal idea or ideal; and phenomena, the manifestation of the ideal. Phenomena are illusions which fade away while Ideals are perfect and eternal.   Ideas are accessible through thought, while phenomena are experienced through senses. 

Plato applies the same dichotomy to human beings: the body is material, mortal and hence, a victim of causation while the soul is ideal, immortal, and is “unmoved", thus enjoying free will. The soul includes reason, self-awareness and moral sense and will always be drawn to the good, the ideal, and to God.  Our ethical goal in life is resemblance to God and self-realization through a gradual process of reincarnation.

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 In Plato’s greatest work, The Republic, he designs (through Socrates) a society with the aim of discovering the meaning of justice. He compares elements of his society to the three souls:  The peasants are the foundation of the society.  They till the soil and produce goods, i.e. take care of society’s basic appetites.  The warriors represent the spirit and courage of the society.  And the philosopher kings guide the society, as reason guides our lives.