Abstract

The aim of Dorter's commentary on the Phaedo is "an understanding and evaluation of what Plato is trying to communicate in the Phaedo and of Plato's philosophy in general". Dorter's approach is a synthesis of two methods: the analysis of individual arguments and the concern for the dialogue's dramatic unity. The book's chapters accordingly parallel the major divisions of the dialogue itself. In a brief concluding chapter, Dorter attempts to supply a way of regarding the numerous treatments of soul in the dialogues as constituting a more or less coherent teaching. The book also includes an appendix on philosophy and music.