Tracing the argument of the Ethics as it emerges through that approach, this
book shows how Aristotle represents ethical virtue from the perspective of
those devoted to it while standing back to examine its assumptions and
implications.
The dialogue explores foundational concepts of Platonism, particularly the theory of ideas and the immortality of the soul, through a structured argument that highlights the dangers of misology, or distrust in reason. This leads to a transformative understanding of knowledge, the soul, and death, suggesting that the Phaedo critiques rather than upholds traditional Platonism. The revised edition features a new preface and includes an insightful essay on Plato's Euthyphro, enhancing the depth of the analysis and interpretation of these philosophical themes.