Who was the disciple of Socrates known for his theory of Forms?

Plato is recognized as the disciple of Socrates who developed the theory of Forms. This philosophical concept posits that beyond the physical world, which we perceive through our senses, there exists a higher realm of abstract, perfect forms or ideals that represent the essence of various objects and concepts. For example, the form of 'beauty' exists separately from any beautiful object in the physical world, which is merely an imperfect reflection of that ideal.

Plato's theory is foundational in Western philosophy, influencing countless thinkers and philosophical movements. He articulated this concept in works such as "The Republic," where he discusses the nature of reality and knowledge. By contrast, other figures listed, such as Socrates and Aristotle, have their own distinct contributions to philosophy. Socrates, Plato's mentor, focused on ethics and the Socratic method of questioning, while Aristotle, a student of Plato, moved away from the theory of Forms and emphasized empirical observation and categorization of knowledge. Empress Wu, unrelated to this philosophical tradition, was a Chinese ruler and does not fit into the context of Greek philosophical discussions.