Adeimantus of Collytus

Who was Adeimantus of Collytus?

Adeimantus of Collytus son of Ariston of Athens, was an ancient Athenian Greek best known as Plato's eldest brother. He plays an important part in Plato's Republic and is mentioned in the Apology and Parmenides dialogues.

In the Republic, Adeimantus is noted for his concern for education, which is apparent from the moment he becomes involved in the discussion. He is also concerned with the happiness of the guardians in the ideal city. He questions whether or not they would be living a good life with little or no personal property. Consequently, Adeimantus is often associated with greed or love for money in interpretations of the dialogue. On the whole, Adeimantus comes across as more cautious, more sober-minded, and less creative than his brother Glaucon, Socrates' other major interlocutor in the last nine books of the Republic.