Playdoh

Upon first comparison, Plato and Play-Doh seem to share nothing in common. The former is a philosopher of ancient Greece, whose contributions to the academic world still influence modern thought, while the latter is a colourful, nontoxic clay-like substance consisting of little more than salt water and flour. Plato is studied and interpreted by high school and college students, whilst Play-Doh is studied and manipulated by young children in houses throughout the world. However, similarities between the two do exist. Through a web of these interconnecting similarities, one can effectively trace out a path and connect the dots between this modelling plaything and this renowned philosopher. In order to examine this pathway, it makes sense that one must start with the smallest possible component. In this case, one thing that literally links these two subjects together is that both are comprised of the same material that makes all matter on planet Earth. As both Plato and Play-Doh are primarily organic compounds, each is composed of a variety of elements, ranging from carbon and oxygen to hydrogen and phosphorus, but for the most part, each of those elements behave the same way, even though they are separated by almost two and a half millennia. In truth, the fact that all organic matter is created and sustained through the different constructions of the same building material is something that links and connects the entirety of the planet. Yet, Plato and Play-Doh are not only linked in this literal sense. Plato, as the student of Socrates, understood the importance of educating the youth of any society. In addition to his opening of one of the very first organized schools in western history, Plato pushed his students to question not only his teachings, but everything they encountered throughout their life. This goal of Plato’s would eventually go on to produce extremely brilliant students who deeply impacted their own generations in many ways, students that continue to be created in this present day. It is this characteristic of moulding inquisitive minds that was sought after with the introduction and invention of Play-Doh. Play-Doh allows children to create physical manifestations of their otherwise abstract imaginations. It has been proven by a variety of psych ological studies that people in general learn the best