Crossword Genius

Philosopher and squad, not working (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plato

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'philosopher' is the definition.
(I know that Plato is a philosopher)

'squad not working' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'not' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'plat' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plato that I've seen before include "Ancient Greek philosopher" , "To pal up with Greek philosopher" , "Teacher of Aristotle, pupil of Socrates" , "Philosopher of ancient Greece" , "A plot (anag) (known to Aristotle?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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