Reference no: EM131202685
Respond to this.
Mark Adams- Socrates
From the readings of The Phaedo, one can draw a philosophical mindset that suggest a viewpoint that declares the human composition as being: spirit, mind (soul), and body. That is to say, man basically exist as a spirit living in a body, and mind. In (Phaedo, lines 63 -64), Socrates presents the argument of going to a better place his physical death. His premise (thoughts) are supported based on a moral spiritual, and mythological, philosophical lenses viewpoint.
Therefore, from the perspective of being free from his present sufferings, he views death as being freedom from the discomforts of mortal imprisonment. However, within these lines it must also be noted that Socrates, spiritual viewpoints were not supportive of suicide as a means of escaping life's hardships. I took this as an encouragement of not to lose hope (in the mind) that would cause one to cave in and quit. In contrasted terms, I believe by coupling the two, he was able to survive within his natural existence of being human. No-doubt, both methods of thoughts created tangible realities enabling him to function in what he considered realities.
One can see his strong spiritual connections that supported his spiritual beliefs (Phaedo, lines 57-59), speaks of several eyewitnesses that were privy to Socrates emotional state shortly before his death. Which reflected his strong beliefs even at the point of execution. When describing the event, Phaedo spoke of his own extraordinary feelings of not feeling sorry for Socrates. He expressed that his regards where more so because of the fearless, and noble position Socrates faced death with. In fact, he mentioned, that he faced the occasion with both pleasure and pain.
While, Socrates is a representation of myth ideology, or philosophical reasoning's in a very allegorical way, it compares to Christian beliefs of affirming hope in a present world through spiritual belief, and connections. Also, within a sense of comparable, it concludes that the spiritual reality of your being will live eternally. It also depicts the feelings of others (Phaedo) who are supportive of the same beliefs. Which is to say, they concur with the hopes of the soon deceased, or deceased.
Thus, enabling them to view death on the spiritual side of things: as being a temporary loss only. As one subscribing to the same beliefs, their conclusion is that sufferings have ceased for a parent, child, kin, or dear friend. They strongly believe that the person lives on in spiritual existence, and they will one day join them (seeing them again in glory).
In (Phaedo, lines 63-64), Socrates presents a strong defense argument that I see as being consistent with religious beliefs. He points out the critical factor, of how one clings to a particular belief that provides a mindset of hope. In turn, such hopes are preparatory for life after physical death. He believes that through adhering to such spiritually connected beliefs, one facing death can do so fearlessly, and with joy of what is to com. Conclusively, it's like putting on a pair of glasses, and seeing life from the mind's eye of the one viewing it, based on philosophical spiritual beliefs.
As an individual of Christian Faith, I can identify with his position in theory spirituality. While my faith is not rooted in Greek Mythology, I too believe that humans composition exists in separate realities. I believe that I exist as spirit, soul, and body. More specifically, as a spirit being I have connectivity and access to God. My mind, through spiritual conversion, and daily adherence towards the principles of my faith in God. Like Socrates, my confidence in mortality are supported by what I believe.
Conjunctionally, I support my beliefs with a life style that bring me hope. Phaedo is a great read. It points out hope in present life, and life after natural physical death. The reading, illustrated choices when struggling with life's hardships and not quitting; as illustrated in Socrates beliefs against suicide (Phaedo, lines 61-62). He believed that even in life's most difficult moments one must not lose heart. He believed that staying the course of one's convictions of faith was the route to go. This meant not to give up, cave in, or quit in the face of opposition. Ironically, it also meant, facing the assuming sting of death with the assurance that death natural death would have no victory. By affirming his position, he was able to face execution with confidence, based on what he believed. Not only did his strong faith bring confront and assurance to him, it likewise served as a testament for many others regarding his faith.
Finally, while I don't believe in the mythological aspects of Socrates faith, I recognize the bravery of how he approached his beliefs. In the principles of mythology one can gleam several valuable thoughts that encourage religion, and faith. The read was enjoyable, and offered strong thoughts that justifies one's faith, and spirituality.
Plato. (n.d.). Selections from the Phaedo (H. Tredennick, Trans.). Retrieved from https://www2.hawaii.edu/~freeman/courses/phil100/06.%20Phaedo.pdf
respond to this.
Socrates believed that a philosopher is more in tune with their soul than others. In Phaedo, Socrates speaks of pain and pleasure, and how the two can never happen at the same time. He challenged others by describing how unnecessary one's body truly is because he felt that a philosopher always had one foot in the grave so to speak. He describes the body as an inaccurate tool or misrepresentation of the truth. We cannot believe everything that our body hears or even sees, so how can one trust even their body? Socrates believes that philosophers' souls were ahead of ordinary individuals because of their constant search for improving their enlightenment. In order to improve their enlightenment they have to detach from their own senses more than others, in search for true reality.
Plato's Phaedo tells us that everything that is learned in one's lifetime is a preparation for one's death. Socrates' views are very much accurate. For instance how we cannot trust our vision when there are said to be 11 dimensions, and we can only see in 3. How there are many other species in our world that can hear more clearly than humans and on different frequencies. This type of information does show how we cannot trust everything our body provides to us. The problem is I do not think we should prepare ourselves for death. We should enjoy and experience everything we can in this life. Our body can be looked at as a vessel for our souls, and we should use that vessel to experience everything that we can while we are alive. I feel that the human spirit is drawn to experiences and exploration.
Plato. (n.d.). Selections from The Phaedo (H. Tredennick, Trans.). Retrieved from https://www2.hawaii.edu/~freeman/courses/phil100/06.%20Phaedo.pdf