The Influence of Wrestling in Plato's Philosophy, and if Wrestling Helps Philosophy Today

Plato saw wrestling as a way to educate the youth of Ancient Greece in the ways of virtue. In his dialogues that take place in wrestling schools: Lysis, Charmides, Laches, and Euthydemus, Plato gives examples of how young boys should be taught and also shows the faults in how the youth are being raised. He looks at virtues that need to be taught and shows examples of boys who do not have these traits because their teachers do not have the virtues. Then the culture of wrestling is compared to the culture of weapon fighting. Wrestlers are trained to be philosophers who care about the truth and uplift others toward wisdom, while weapon fighting paves away from sophistry and the culture of only wanting to win and being willing to sacrifice wisdom for the win. Through wrestling in Ancient Greece, one gained virtues: courage, humility, and cooperation. These virtues can still be gained through wrestling today, which is why wrestling is one of the best preparatory activities one can do for wrestling.