Plato or Socrates?

Question

I am trying, right now, to write an overview and then give my opinions, in a book report about Plato Republic. I am using Spark Notes, not the book edition of Spark Notes because it was still too long. But instead, I am using the study guide available online. Anyhow, I have started and realized that Plato Republic keeps mentioning Socrates. Is this a typo? Why would Plato write a book about Socrates? These aren't the same guys are they? Is it Plato's idea for a republic, or Socrates?

Answer 1

Socrates was Plato's teacher.

Answer 2

who are they?

Answer 3

It's Plato's Republic in the sense that the book [The Republic] is Plato's but not necessarily the idea of a republic in of itself.

And it's pretty standard for people to lean heavily on certain theorist's in their works. If you look through most works in cultural studies in recent years you will see everyone talks about Foucault at some point and it very much feels like you're just reading about his ideas. However the interrogation and analysis of these ideas which you provide is what makes the works your's/there's etc.

So it's more about Plato's progression or critique of the thoughts which were begun by Socrates and these thoughts are leading to their own conclusions within the work.

Answer 4

Socrates was the founder of the school in Greece and it's first teacher who died for teaching the Greeks to think for themselves, "be a leader not sheep".  Plato had a deep love and respect for Socrates and Socrates never wrote, he just spoke before his suicide.  He died for his teaching and I for one am grateful to Plato to have that resource.  The only problem being that the Republic today is bloodlust and greed and not service to others.  Explain how it's been used to kill, maim and destroy.  As well as the father's sins (unfaithfulness and maniputlation) of ancient works has destroyed people, land and lives.  Socrates also taught Aristotle who concentrated on ecperience and material world.  You cannot talk about one without the other two.  We are to think for ourselve, we are united, yet different.  See?