“Of Course, You Know Her!” (Pl. Phd. 60a): Xanthippe’s Presence by Socrates’ Deathbed

Abstract In Plato’s Phaedo , Xanthippe, Socrates’ wife, briefly appears on his final day, a moment rich in philosophical significance. This article examines her role through a doxographic analysis of ancient sources, exploring how gendered representations influence the reception of her character. While later traditions depict Xanthippe as irritable and disruptive, Platonic discourse offers a more complex portrayal, challenging conventional gender norms. Her presence at Socrates’ deathbed transcends the typical depiction of a mourning wife; her lamentation foreshadows the emotional responses of Socrates’ male companions, reflecting the complexity of human reactions to death. Additionally, her forced removal symbolises the exclusion of affective and corporeal elements from philosophical discourse. However, the emotional breakdown of Socrates’ followers challenges the idealised image of rational detachment. This study argues that Xanthippe’s role is not merely supplementary but central to Phaedo , prompting a reconsideration of Platonic thought and its connection to embodied human experience.