Epicurus and Plato had different views on the nature of death and its reality, which can be understood through their respective metaphysical theories.
Epicurus, in his writings, emphasized the philosophy of materialism and atomism. He believed that everything in the universe is composed of atoms, including the human body and soul. According to Epicurus, death is the cessation of consciousness and sensory experience. He argued that death should not be feared because it is the end of all sensations and therefore devoid of suffering. For Epicurus, death is the complete dissolution of the individual, and there is no existence beyond death. Thus, he would consider death as a real and final state of non-existence.
On the other hand, Plato's metaphysical theory, as discussed in his dialogue "Phaedo," suggests that the soul is immortal and separate from the physical body. Plato believed in the existence of a realm of Forms or Ideas, which are eternal and unchanging. He viewed the body as a temporary vessel for the soul. According to Plato, death is the separation of the soul from the body and a transition to the realm of the Forms. For him, the soul is immortal and continues to exist after death, undergoing a process of reincarnation or ascending to a higher state of being. Plato would consider death as a transitional phase and not the complete annihilation of the self.
In summary, Epicurus considers death as real and final, emphasizing the materialistic nature of existence. He sees death as the end of consciousness and sensory experiences. On the other hand, Plato believes in the immortality of the soul and considers death as a transition to a different realm or a continuation of the soul's journey. Plato's metaphysical theory incorporates the idea of the soul's existence beyond the physical body.