17. Introducing Socrates and Plato to the modern age would be an experiment guaranteed to produce valuable philosophical insights
Although leaving behind no writings of his own, Socrates nevertheless remains one of the most influential figures of the ancient world. Born in Athens in approximately 470 BCE, the enigmatic character is known to the modern world only via the writings of his contemporaries, mostly his students and notably Plato, who transcribed his classes and conversations with the legendary philosopher. Credited today as one of the founders of Western philosophy, as well as being the first moral philosopher of the Western tradition, Socrates and his methods remain a strong influence to this day and it would be invaluable to update and test his hypotheses in an age of increasing moral ambiguity and fluidity.
Plato himself would go on to perhaps even surpass his teacher, founding the Academy – the first institution of higher learning in the Western world, but, in turn, would be ultimately eclipsed by his own student Aristotle. Arguably one of the founders of Western religion and spirituality, the works of Plato have left an indelible imprint on early Christianity and the moral identity of Europe. Surviving intact for almost two-and-a-half thousand years, Plato’s works, continue to educate and enlighten, but like his mentor could only be improved upon via exposure to our life and times.