Phaedo's Rejection of the Meno's Theory of Recollection

Abstract

It is argued that the Phaedo’s discussion of recollection consciously draws itself away from the Meno’s, making reference to the Meno for the express and sole purpose of severing all connection to it. The Phaedo is interested in recollection only insofar as recollection and Forms provide mutual support for one another and, together, help make the case for the immortality of the soul. Yet, Socrates is not wedded to recollection in either dialogue.