Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, born around 427 BCE in Athens. He is best known for founding the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. His works, primarily written in the form of dialogues, explore various philosophical topics, including ethics, politics, and metaphysics. One of Plato's most famous ideas is the theory of Forms, which suggests that non-material abstract forms represent the most accurate reality. His dialogues often feature his teacher, Socrates, as a central character, engaging in discussions that challenge conventional beliefs and encourage critical thinking.