Plato (428 or 427-348 or 347 BC) was a Greek philosopher and one of the most important intellectual figures in Western civilization. A student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, Plato established the Academy of Athens in 387 BC. It one of the first institutions of higher education. Plato's philosophy covers a wide range of topics preserved through his written dialogues including The Apology, Meno, Parmenides, The Republic, and The Symposium. His works have influenced philosophers for thousands of years.