Phaedo

The Phaedo is Plato's dramatic account of the last hours of Socrates, who awaits execution in an Athenian prison. As his friends gather around him, Socrates argues that the soul is immortal and that death is not to be feared but is the separation of the soul from the body, a release for the philosopher. Through a series of rigorous arguments, he addresses objections and explores the nature of the soul, the theory of recollection, and the relationship between reason and the senses. The dialogue culminates in a vivid myth of the afterlife and a moving depiction of Socrates' final moments.

This edition offers the complete text of the Phaedo in Benjamin Jowett's classic translation, along with a new introduction that sets the dialogue in its historical and philosophical context. A guide to key ideas explains the central arguments, a summary outlines the course of the discussion, and a themes section highlights the major philosophical and literary motifs. A glossary clarifies unfamiliar terms, and discussion questions invite readers to engage critically with the text. Whether you are a student encountering Plato for the first time, a book club member, or a general reader interested in philosophy, this edition provides the tools to understand and appreciate one of the foundational works of Western thought.