In Phaedo Socrates commits suicide; he infers various reasons why philosophers should not fear death but welcome it as well. Is suicide than a reasonable act? Some might surmise that he did not have a choice in the matter since he was sentenced to death, and it was also decided that he should die this way. My question is than as follow is Socrates willingness to die any less a suicide?

I might agree with the idea that Socrates acceptance of his condemnation is a testament to his beliefs that justice should be according to those elected to give it. Those who condemned him however did fit Socrates description of wise. They were not philosopher kings or philosophers at all because if they were I am assuming Socrates would never have been put on trial. Where than is the logic behind Socrates’ suicide? Doesn’t that very act undermine his thoughts on our nature?

I remain adamant that Socrates had a choice; he could have refused to commit suicide. In his refusal he would have defended all his views amongst which are the one that suicide no matter the circumstance is wrong. Isn’t fighting for one’s belief more important than yielding to the wishes of others especially when it compromises who we are? Socrates wish to die and his elation towards the end is no different to me than those committing suicide to escape the pain of being alive. Unless of course Socrates meant that suicide is acceptable base on circumstances.