Book 5, The Phaedo: Chapter 2, The Phaedo Continued Summary and Analysis

There were more than 15 people present at the death of Socrates. Phaedo lists them at the behest of his partner. They note that Plato was absent due to having been unwell himself. After a short description of the scene Phaedo begins to recount the philosophical discussion.

There is a woman with a young child present. There is no indication of whether she is a relative or not. Crito takes her home; she is very openly distraught with tears at the time. No one can tell whether or not she held any interest in the conversation or subject matter, from the text itself.

Those present turn directly to their usual manner of conversation. The reality of the situation is not lost on them. As it happens, the old man has...