# Plato — Leviathan character guide

> Plato in Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0003-part-i-of-man

## Who they are

Greek philosopher, founder of the Academy, frequently referenced in political theory.

## In the story

### [Of the Kingdom of God by Nature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leviathan_se/chapters/xxxi-of-the-kingdom-of-god-by-nature)

Referenced for his opinion that sovereigns must be philosophers; Hobbes contrasts his own view that natural justice is the only necessary science.

### [XLVI: Of Darkness from Vain Philosophy and Fabulous Traditions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leviathan_se/chapters/xlvi-of-darkness-from-vain-philosophy-and-fabulous-traditions)

Mentioned as teaching in the Academy, part of Hobbes's historical account of the rise of philosophical schools in Athens.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leviathan_se/characters/plato
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leviathan_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leviathan_se/characters