The opening of Plato's Phaedo finds Socrates constructing a defense of the philosophical life. When consideration is given to the status of philosophy in Greece at the end of the fifth century BCE, such a defense seems unnecessary and, at the same time, difficult. This is because ancient Greece provides us with the origins of philosophy, and yet this particular period in history servesas a good demonstration of the public's general distaste for and persecution of it. Several philosophers, including Pythagoras, Anaxagoras, and Protagoras, were ridiculed and attacked for their beliefs. In spite of these social deterrents, Socrates remained faithful to his life long pursuit, even though it led to his demise. In the Phaedo, we meet Socrates on the morning of his own execution. The permeating spirit of persecution and the immediate nature of their teacher's death leave Socrates' students with mixed emotions. Phaedo comments to Echecrates that he was amazed by the courage and composure demonstrated by Socrates in this moment of impending misfortune. Indeed, Socrates possesses the strength of a warrior and the serenity of a priest. This peace becomes an essential part of the dialogue because it elevates the interests of his interlocutors and turns the topic of discussion towards an inquiry about the nature of death. Underlying the suspicion about Socrates' ability to accept his fate so generously is the fear and uncertainty surrounding death that Phaedo and his fellow "classmates" share. At one point in thediscussion Cebes says, "Probably even in us there is a little boy who has these childish terrors. Try to persuade him not to be afraid of death as though it were a bogy." Socrates replies, "What you should do ... is to say a magic spell over him every day until you have charmed his fearsaway", though he goes on to suggest a more pertinent method by which one can charm away apprehensions about death, namely, the proces...
