What philosophical institution did Plato establish?

Plato established The Academy, which is recognized as one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Western world. Founded around 387 BC in Athens, The Academy served as a place for philosophical discussion, teaching, and learning, where Plato and his followers explored various topics including ethics, politics, metaphysics, and mathematics. This institution reflected Plato's commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and the importance he placed on education and philosophical inquiry.

Plato's Academy provided a foundation for future philosophical schools and deeply influenced subsequent thinkers, including his student Aristotle, who later established his own school, The Lyceum. The distinction of The Academy lies in its role as a significant precursor to modern universities and its emphasis on critical thinking and dialogue among scholars.