At the beginning of the chapter, Cephalus invites Socrates to his home for philosophic discussion.  Although it is the first scene, Cephalus appears only in this scene and does not reappear in the dialogue.  To understand why he departs the scene so early, first we must focus on the purpose of philosophy.  

Philosophers, like Socrates, question why things are, how they should be and what the best way to live is.  Philosophy can be disturbing, as it was with Cephalus because it may contradict what you previously believed in.  In this particular conversation with Cephalus, he asks, "What is justice""  There are many answers to this question, and Cephalus provides the simple definition that justice is telling the truth and paying one's debts.

Cephalus' principles are based on an elderly, wealthy perspective of life which focuses on what happens after death and...