Death and the Possibility of the Soul’s Immortality in Apology
The issue of the soul’s nature is one of the most intriguing aspects of the readings, and each author presents a distinct perspective. In Apology, the theme of death and immortality is presented from the perspective of agnosticism. Death is one of two things: either to die means to become nothing, or, according to legend, this is some change for the soul, its relocation from one place to another. If death is the end of everything, then, as Socrates says, it is not terrible because what follows is a deep, sound sleep without dreams, when no one and nothing bothers a person. If the soul is immortal, then death is merely a transition from this world to another.
Plato’s Four Arguments for the Immortality of the Soul in Phaedo
In Phaedo, Plato gives four proofs of the soul’s immortality. The first proof is that opposites, including life and death, mutually pass into each other. Souls after physical death go to Hades, and from there, they return, here again, arising from the dead.
The second proof is based on the concept of knowledge as a recollection of what the soul knew before its birth. The third proof is presented as a substantiation of the self-identity of the eidos of the soul. The fourth proof states that the soul is the eidos of life; thought here returns to the first proof, but at a new, higher dialectical level. The reasoning of the philosophers is so convincing that, through reading, I was inclined to the idea that souls are immortal.
Socrates’ Philosophical Method and His Views on Knowledge and Pleasure
The activity of Socrates deserves special attention since it became a turning point in the development of ancient philosophy. The invaluable merit of Socrates is that dialogue has become the primary method of finding the truth in his practice. Moreover, his views are the basis of the theory of knowledge.
In Phaedo, Plato illuminates Socrates’ view of knowledge, exploring the relationship between the senses and reason. Socrates believed that feelings are merely an obstacle to comprehending the truth. Moreover, the sense organs do not give proper knowledge. Socrates’ attitude to pleasure is interesting. The philosopher urged people not to let passions take over, but did not advocate a complete rejection of pleasures. Subsequently, the concept of pleasure attracted the special attention of philosophers and became the basis of several teachings, including hedonism.