Phaedo Question 2

Primary Text:
Phaedo

Question:
How did Socrates die?

Answer:

Socrates died by drinking hemlock, a poisonous draught administered as part of his state-ordered execution. In the closing scene of the dialogue, Plato presents Socrates as calm, composed, and even cheerful, reinforcing the philosophical claim that the true philosopher does not fear death.

Plato writes:

“I understand, Socrates said, but one is allowed, indeed one must, utter a prayer to the gods that the journey from here to yonder may be fortunate. This is my prayer and may it be so. And while he was saying this, he was holding the cup, and then drained it calmly and easily.” (Phaedo 117c)

Shortly thereafter, Plato describes the physical effects of the poison:

“He felt it himself and said that when the cold reached his heart he would be gone.” (Phaedo 118a)

And Socrates’ final recorded words are:

“As his belly was getting cold Socrates uncovered his head—he had covered it—and said—these were his last words—“Crito, we owe a cock to Asclepius; make this offering to him and do not forget.”—“It shall be done,” said Crito, “tell us if there is anything else.” But there was no answer. Shortly afterwards Socrates made a movement; the man uncovered him and his eyes were fixed. Seeing this Crito closed his mouth and his eyes.” (Phaedo 118a)

Thus, according to Phaedo 117c–118a, Socrates died by willingly drinking hemlock and calmly submitting to its effects, embodying his conviction that death is not to be feared by one whose soul has been devoted to philosophy.

Reference:
Plato (1997). Plato: Complete Works. Hackett Publishing. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781603846707