Phaedo
Phaedo recounts the last day of Socrates. Awaiting execution in his Athenian cell, he spends the hours arguing with his friends Simmias and Cebes about whether the soul survives death, offering several arguments for its immortality and a closing myth about the fate of souls, before he bathes, says goodbye to his family and drinks the hemlock. The narrator, Phaedo, tells the story afterward to a listener in Phlius, so the dialogue has the shape of a reported scene as well as a philosophical debate. It is Plato's most read account of his teacher's death. This edition presents the text in Benjamin Jowett's translation, preceded by his introduction. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Phaedo
Phaedo by Plato can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Phaedo online?
Yes. Phaedo opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Phaedo free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Phaedo is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Phaedo in the public domain?
Yes. Phaedo by Plato is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Benjamin Jowett. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Phaedo?
About 2 h 52 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Phaedo?
Phaedo by Plato is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
