The Platonic dialogue is written by Plato in the prison cell and deathbed scene of Socrates. The government of the time and place of ancient Athens did not want to listen to Socrates' ideas and did not want to give him freedom of speech. (South University Online, 2015, para. 5). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In the Platonic dialogue, Socrates discusses the idea of the soul. Socrates talks about what men do in their mortal lives will affect their immortal soul. Then Socrates discusses the philosophy of why a different number of things exist and the causes of existence. Shortly thereafter, Socrates begins to discuss the sun and stars, their existence, their coming and going, and returning to various states. As the Platonic dialogue continues, Socrates begins to discuss how disappointed he was in the teachings of the philosophy of Athens. His philosopher taught that the parts of the body are responsible for its actions. They basically taught that a person's anatomy determines what a person does based on what is best for the body parts. Socrates would not stand for this stupidity and held the position that his mind decides what he will do and his body, bones and muscles simply give him the power to carry it out. For this the Athenians condemned Socrates. But Socrates stood his ground and did not run away from the government and was put in prison. Regardless of anything else Socrates said or did, Socrates died for the cause of free speech and his right to tell the truth. And for this, History should praise the man. While in his prison, Socrates begins to contemplate the nature of true existence. He goes on to state things like “that through beauty all beautiful things become beautiful.” (Phaedo, 360 BC, p. 39) and that due to size only big things become bigger and bigger, and due to smallness less becomes less”. (Phaedo, 360 BC, p. 40) Later Socrates argues with Cebes and others that the souls of men are immortal and also incorruptible. Socrates seems to want his friends to agree with him that the immoral soul that does not age or approach death, is also indestructible by any forces that the universe or spiritual realm may impose upon it. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Toward the end, Socrates discusses the idea of caring for the soul. Socrates talks about how what men do in their mortal lives will affect their immortal soul. For example, in the paragraph tree he says, “If death had only been the end of everything, the wicked would have made a good deal in dying.” (Phaedo, 360 BC, p. 47) He is saying that if there was no life after life or nothing beyond death, then the wicked will not face divine punishment for all the evil they have done. But rather they get off rather easily as a parish. But Socrates' position and belief on the concept of the afterlife were clear. “The soul clearly appears immortal” (Phaedo, 360 BC, p. 47), he said.
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