Phaedo

                                                                                                                    Plato, Greece (427-347 BC)
Summary in English

Phaedo is moral story that represents the true philosophy of Socrates. It teaches us to fight for justice, humanity, freedom, peace and democracy against any kind of slavery, injustice, inequality, suppression, discrimination, inhumanity and autocracy. This story expresses the meaning of death convincing that an honorable death is more worthful than inglorious life. In addition, it reflects death is for a new life.
In this story, there is a dialogue between Phaedo and Echecrates. It is about the true philosophy in relation to the last moments in the life of Socrates. Phaedo is a devoted disciple of Socrates. He is present when Socrates dies. Phaedo describes 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 opinions. Then, his trial period begins. He is asked to apologize 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 disciples 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 his early in the morning. He remains busy in conversation and at last, he requests them to go to their house and enters into next room and drinks the poison calmly. Looking at such, his friends begin to weep but Socrates scolds and tells them it is useless to stick to life if it is meaningless. Socrates believes 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.