the doctrine and sentiments of Plato and his followers, with regard to philosophy, &c.

In physics, Plato followed Heraclitus; in ethics and politics, Socrates; and in metaphysics he followed Pythagoras. His disciples were called academici. See the articles ACADEMIC, &c.

The Platonic philosophy is thought very consistent with the Mosaic; and a great many of the primitive fathers follow the opinions of that philosopher, as being favourable to Christianity. Justin is of opinion, that Plato could not learn many things which he has said in his works, from mere natural reason; but thinks he might have learned them from the books of Moses, which he might have read when in Egypt.