Plato was a Greek philosopher who is considered the father of philosophical idealism. Some of his most important works include The Republic, The Statesman, and The Laws. In The Republic, Plato discusses justice and its realization within individuals and the state through the use of dialogues. He proposes an elaborate system of education and a philosopher ruler to administer justice for the good of the community. Plato believed in a utopian ideal state governed by rational elites and criticized Athenian democracy.