PlatoPlato was born in the golden age of ancient Greece. His real name was Aristocles. But historians think he was given the nickname Plato because of his broad stature. In Greek, plato means "broad." It is also said that Plato had a wide, broad forehead. His parents were influential citizens in Athens. Plato began his career as a student of Socrates. When his master died, Plato studied in Egypt and Italy. He then returned to Athens and started his own school. There Plato tried to pass on the Socratic style of thinking. He guided his students towards the discovery of truth.Plato tried to convey Socrates' teachings. He did this by writing down his master's conversations. These dialogues are the primary source of historical information about Socrates. Early dialogues look at a single issue. But they rarely come to conclusions about these issues. The Euthyphro, one of Plato's dialogues, points out a dilemma about any appeal to authority in defense of moral judgments. The Apology offers a description of the philosophical life. This description is presented as Socrates presents his own in defense before an Athenian jury.The dialogues of Plato use Socrates as a fictional character. But the middle dialogues express Plato's own views about philosophical issues. In the Meno, Plato reports the Socratic notion that no one knowingly does wrong. He also introduces the doctrine of recollection. This is done in an attempt to discover whether or not virtue can be taught. The Phaedo continues the development of Platonic notions. It presents the doctrine of the forms. These arguments claim to show the immortality of the human soul.The masterpiece among the middle dialogues is the Republic. It begins with a conversation about the nature of justice. It then proceeds directly to an extended discussion of justice, wisdom, courage, and moderation. He looks at the ways in which these appear to individual human beings and in society as a whole. The allegory of the cave captures the powerful image of the possibilities for human life. The dialogue concludes with a review of various forms of government. In it is an explicit description of the ideal state. It is one in which only philosophers are fit to rule. There is also an attempt to show that justice is better than injustice.What is the main focus of the passage as a whole...