Final answer:
Plato, differing from Socrates, was influenced by a broader range of thinkers like the Sophists and Ionian scientists, and established a unified philosophical system. He founded the Academy and taught Aristotle, who later founded the Lyceum and developed his own empirical approach to philosophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In contrast to Socrates, Plato however came from a background where he had the opportunity to learn from the Sophists, the Ionian scientists and the Milesians. Most influential in Plato's intellectual development was his mentor Socrates, from whom he learned significant philosophical principles. Plato crafted a comprehensive philosophical system that integrated the best ideas from thinkers like the Pythagoreans, sophisticating them into a unified body of thought and philosophy.
Moreover, Plato influenced Aristotle, his most gifted student, who later founded his own school, the Lyceum. Aristotle eventually diverged from Plato's theories, grounding his philosophy more on empirical study and observation, holding that while our senses are imperfect, they are capable of providing genuine insights into the workings of the world. Both Plato and Aristotle have profoundly impacted Western philosophy, and through their divergent views, contributed substantively to the field.
\