This paper will argue and prove that Socrates had no fear of death. Through the course of his trial he made many references to death and his perception of it, and was convinced that it was not an evil and nothing to be afraid of. The evidence of this is shown in the way Socrates willingly put his life at risk throughout its course, through his determination not to give up his Elenchus in exchange for his life, in his belief that his death was destined and that he was aware of it, in his refusal to solicit for his life through means available to him, and through his belief that death was more likely a good rather than an evil. .
During the course of the trial Socrates openly admitted to having done things that he knew would put his life at risk. These events occurred earlier in his life, and although Socrates was stating them for use in his defence, they showed that he would rather pursue his beliefs and way of life than fear his death as a consequence. When he spoke about his encounter with the god of Delphi, he tells of the many wise men whose wisdom he questioned and refuted, thereby making enemies of them:.
When I began to talk with him, I could not help thinking that he was not really wise, although he was thought wise by many, and wiser still by himself; and I went and tried to explain to him that he thought himself wise, but was not really wise; and the consequence was that he hated me, and his enmity was shared by several who were present and heard me. (Kolak 3).
He then went on to say, "Then I went to another, who had still higher philosophical pretensions, and my conclusion was exactly the same. I made another enemy of him, and of many others besides him. After this I went to one man after another, being not unconscious of the enmity which I provoked This investigation has led to my having many enemies of the worst and most dangerous kind." (Kolak 4) Socrates knew the kinds of men he was making enemies of, and yet he did not relent in offending them out of fear for his own life.
Something that Socrates said was that virtue was not teachable. ... Socrates does not judge what the god at Delphi said, for how could he, a mere mortal? ... For surely he does not lie; it is not legitimate for him to do so.' " Let us say that this was true that indeed Socrates was the wisest. Yet Socrates says he is not. ... This is why Socrates did not cease his philosophy. ...
Socrates states that philosophy is actually the practice for dying. ... Socrates makes this a strong argument because he believes that people should not be afraid of death. ... Socrates believes that the interference of these bodily and external goods does not allow a person to learn wisdom, which in turn they will not be able to be prepared for death. ... The argument that Socrates make about philosophy being practice for dying may be a good argument, but I do not agree that the body is what keeps a person from learning the wisdom of death. ... This way a person can still gain knowledge b...
"Origins of political ideas" Thucydides and Socrates think differently about doing what is just. ... Socrates believed in a just world. He would rather die then to commit injustice. ... To Socrates pursuing a just life gave him happiness, the freedom to express the truth with out feeling afraid of what was to happen, because he was on the side of justice. After all if he died he will not continue to suffer in an unjust world, instead the ones that stay will continue to suffer. ...
"To Examine" or "Not to Examine"? ... In considering whether Socrates is 'guilty or not', we must keep in mind the societal norms and standards of Athens at the time. ... With a poor attempt of plea bargaining, Socrates accepts a verdict of execution, serenely telling the jury he is not afraid of death. ... Upon examining, Socrates concludes death is ambiguous; this uncertainty prompt with his tranquil attitudes towards dying. ... While spending life asking questions, he found death to be ambiguous; Socrates didn't fear death because he didn't know what reall...
Achilles feels that it is a matter of honor and he is not afraid of his destiny. ... After deciding to enter the war, Achilles effectively manages to beat death by entering the battle not being afraid, the very attribute that Socrates shares with Achilles. ... In all of Socrates" teachings he has stated that it is not what you have in the mortal life, it is how moral your soul is that will matter when you die. Socrates, much like Achilles, believes in certain moral aspects that he was willing to die for. This willingness to die for a cause is one of the main binding attributes that A...
The relationship between Plato and Socrates was cut short by the death of Socrates at the hands of the Athenian democracy in 399 B.C. Afraid for his life; Plato left Athens and began to travel. ... Although his works are not dated, they all come from one of three periods; the early, middle or late periods. ... Some of his most famous works include; Symposium and Phaedo which is the death scene of Socrates. Plato died in about 347 B.C at the age of 80 years old. ...
But this was not his intention. ... In making this decision, Antigone virtually sacrifices her life but unlike Socrates, she does not seem intent upon death. ... As Socrates recalls Hector's destiny in court, he makes clear that he, like Hector, is "much more afraid of an ignoble life" (Apology, 28d, 51) as opposed to an imminent death. ... "Let me die forthwith- (Apology, 28d, 51). ... Even if he could sustain his life in Athens, Socrates states that he would rather die than sacrifice the philosophy for which he lived. ...
Crito suggests that not only should Socrates be fighting for his own life but that of his children. If Socrates dies, who will look after his children? ... Many seem to be afraid of death, but death is only the execution of the body. ... Socrates is also helping his friends and family by not doing so. ... This is the way to die. ...
In the book The Trial and Death of Socrates by Plato, Socrates is viewed as a great thinker and playwright. ... (pg. 40) This shows how important Socrates beliefs are to him, and how he is willing to die for these beliefs. ... If my death will bring reconciliation, if my death will make some people happy, then I'm not afraid to die- (pg. 344) Karamira, a Hutu and president during the genocide, says as he is on trial for being involved in the genocide in Rwanda. ... The Tutsi felt that by staying in Rwanda and not fleeing they were expressing there right of citizenship to the country, desp...
