Phedo, also known as The Republic, was written by Plato in
the early fourth century B.C., and it remains one of the most famous works of
philosophy ever written. It tells the story of an Athenian man named Glaucon
who visits Socrates, and then asks him about the nature of justice,
specifically whether or not it exists in an ideal state or only in individual
people’s minds.
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents}
Summary and Analysis of Phedo by Plato
About the Author Plato
Plato was a Greek philosopher who lived from c. 427 BC to c.
347 BC. Plato is well known for being a student of Socrates and teacher of
Aristotle, as well as for his famous dialogues - particularly The Republic, in
which he outlined his political philosophy. His ideas were so influential that
even today we use phrases such as the Platonic view or platonic love (intimate
love without physical desire) because of their association with him.
The philosophy of Plato is based on the theory of forms. The
forms or ideal realities are Justice itself, Holiness itself. Equality itself.
He is also the founder of western civilization. He says that the ultimate
reality lies on ethics, rationality and aesthetics. To him, the higher reality
is based on the combination of Good (ethics). Truth (rationality) and Beauty
(aesthetics) respectively.
Summary of Phaedo by Plato
Phaedo is a moral story that represents the true philosophy
of Socrates. It encourages us to fight for justice, humanity, freedom, peace
and democracy against any kind of slavery, inequality, disparity, suppression,
discrimination, inhumanity and autocracy. This story expresses the meaning of
death convincing that a decent death is more respected than disgraceful life.
In addition, it considers as a new life. In this story, there
is a conversation between Phaedo and Echecrates. It is about the exact
philosophy in relation to the last moments in the life of Socrates. Phaedo is a
devoted follower of Socrates. He is present when Socrates dies. Phaedo tells
everything to Echecrates, (another disciple) about the death of Socrates.
Socrates, the great philosopher is accused of misleading the
youth of Athens and causing them to hold free views. Then, his trial period
begins. He is asked to make an apology but he never does on the ground of
falsehood. He is put in prison until he is killed. Before his death, Socrates
meets his family and followers and tells them not to be afraid of death rather
walk in the path of justice, truth and democracy.
On the day of execution, all his friends and relatives come
to see him early in the morning. He remains engaged in conversation and at
last, he urges them to go to their house and enters into next room and drinks the
poison calmly. Looking at such, his friends start to weep but Socrates scolds
and tells them it is useless to stick to life if it is meaningless. Socrates
regards that the soul is immortal because it can be perceived by those who
exist by the truth, goodness and beauty which are eternal. There is also a
spiritual life after death.
Application of Four Levels of Phedo by Plato
Literal Comprehension of Phedo
There is a dialogue between Phaedo and Echecrates about the
philosophy and last moment in the life of Socrates. Since Phaedo is present on
the day of death of Socrates, he tells everything to his friend, Echecrates,
both of them are the true disciples of Socrates. Socrates is accused of
misleading the youth of Athens and asked him to apologize his falsehoodness but
Socrates never comes back from the truth. Then, he is declared to have death
penalty. Before his execution, he meets all his relatives, friends and
disciples and fells them not to afraid of death but to fight for truth, justice
and democracy.
At last, he requests them to go back to their home and he
enters into next room and drinks poison. All his friends start weeping but
Socrates confidently says that it is useless to spend meaningless life and
death is for new life. Saying such, he leaves the physical world forever.
Interpretation of Phedo
Phedo is a moral story that tells us to fight for justice,
truth and democracy. It also expresses the meaning of death where an honorable
death is more worthful than an inglorious life. Socrates is quite happy and
faces the death fearlessly and nobly. To him, we must know the truth and make
our end in a tranquil frame of mind. Death of the wisest and bravest man like
Socrates is something different from the death of ordinary one. So, one should
face death without any regret and fear. Furthermore, we should never accept any
kind of slavery, injustice, inequality, suppression, inhumanity and autocracy
throughout our life.
Critical Thinking of Phedo
Phedo teaches us very good moral lesson to live and die
bravely like Socrates. It is about the true philosophy and death of Socrates.
It states that an honorable death is worth more than an inglorious life.
However, some ideas in the story seem to be less convincing. Is there authentic
history written about Socrates? Is there life after death? Is it possible to
drink deadly poison like water?
Assimilation of Phedo in life
The story Phedo has greatly influenced me about what life and
death is. After reading this story, I realize that we should never compromise
truth, justice and democracy with others. Similarly, we should not be afraid of
death but try to make meaningful death which is important than meaningless
life. From this story, I come to know that Socrates is not only the master of
Phaedo but of all human beings. So, I strongly follow the path shown by him.
|
Also
read |
According to the story Phedo, how should a human being face death?
Phaedo presents the true philosophy of Socrates and how
Socrates faces death. Socrates is accused of misleading the youths and is given
the capital punishment. He is put in prison before he is executed. Socrates
would have been given a chance of life if he had told a lie or surrendered.
However, he prefers death to telling lies. He knows that death is inevitable.
Similarly, he thinks it is right time for him to die. So, he is ready to drink
the poison to end life happily. He is not a bit worried about life because he
accepts death as he has accepted life.
|
Also read |