Plato's Book Phaedo - Concerning Socrates Last Day of Life in the Prison cell

What the Talk Is About

Plato’s book Phaedo (not to be confused with Phaedrus) concerns his moving account of the day that his close friend and teacher, Socrates, was executed in the prison cell in Athens. It was 399 BC and Socrates had been sentenced to death – and kept in chains for a month or so. He is due to be executed at sunset – and his closest friends are with him in the prison earlier in the day.

The Phaedo talks about Socrates’ final philosophical discussions with his closest friends in the prison cell - shortly before his execution at sunset by drinking the poisonous hemlock.

Many subjects are raised in The Phaedo, and only so much information can be given in an evening session like this. My talk will therefore focus mainly on Socrates’ five arguments on why he believes his soul will go on after his execution - so we can discuss afterwards whether any of his arguments seem convincing or not. We do not have to agree with Socrates – and indeed it is almost natural to “doubt” some or most of the things he says. Perhaps at the end of the evening you will still feel like Simmias (one of the friends in the prison with Socrates) who after hearing Socrates’ five arguments or proofs says:

‘…..nor can I see any reason for doubt after what has been said. But I still feel and cannot help feeling uncertain in my own mind, when I think of the greatness of the subject and the feebleness of man.’ (Phaedo-107b)

DETAILS

The first part of the evening (apx 40 - 45 mins) will be my introductory talk on The Phaedo – including reading some short pieces from the text together. The second part of the evening (apx 20 - 30 mins) will be a time for us to discuss the issues, and raise any questions we may have.

The talk and discussion are in English - but straight forward uncomplicated English - so non mother tongue English speakers should feel relaxed about coming along.

No previous experience or study of philosophy is necessary to come and enjoy the evening. However, more experienced students of philosophy are also welcome.

Let's meet at 7.00 pm in the pleasant Athens SafeStay rooftop restaurant-bar area for a prompt 7.15 pm start. We will finish around 8.30 pm. (Bring a jacket in case it gets chilly.)

COST: In keeping with the Socratic tradition, this ‘meetup’ talk is offered free of charge for people who come along. (Voluntary contributions of 3 – 5 euros afterwards are welcome to help out with the ongoing expenses of putting on talks and other activities. However, there is no pressure to contribute.)

DRINKS / SNACKS: You can of course buy coffees, drinks, food at the Bar if you wish to enjoy them with the talk - but again there is no obligation to do so.

RSVP AND CANCELLATIONS - REQUEST TO MEMBERS: Places at some venues are limited - so if you RSVP to say you are coming to this talk - but then change your mind - "no problem" - but please cancel your place on meetup - or let James know. For several reasons, it is helpful to have a 'rough idea' how many people are coming on any particular night. (Eg a rough idea of how many tables in a restaurant area to hold for the talk is useful - so as not to hold several tables for just a few people or vice versa.)

FUTURE VENUES / LOCATIONS - I am always pleased to hear suggestions of good locations for future talks, which should have easy access to a metro station - and have relaxed atmospheres without a lot of loud music. If we are to continue with the idea of “free attendance” then a shared place like a restaurant is better than a room we have to hire. (Some talks are arranged in pleasant spots around Athens.)