Plato s Views On Death And The Afterlife - 1815 Words

One of the most ancient mystery yet unsolved is the question pertaining to death and the afterlife. This mystery is one of the fundamental studies in both field of philosophy and religion. Comparing those who believe in a god-existing religion against those who don’t, we often see many differences in the answers relating to death. In the contrary, the similar answers to theist and atheist are evident strongly in two great thinkers and their works. The focus will be on Socrates’ speech in the Apology by Plato setting in 399 BCE and De Rerum Natura by Titus Lucretius 300 years later. Titus Lucretius, an atheist or agnostic Roman poet and philosopher inspired by the works of Epicurus. Lucretius believed in the theory of atomism which lead to materialistic thinking and how atomism affects how one should view the purpose of life especially at the end of one’s life. Lucretius has written his thoughts on death at Book III of De Rerum Natura – the translation used is by Rolfe Humphries which translates the title as The Way Things Are. In The Way Things Are, Lucretius makes three main arguments; there is no need for the fear of death, the fear itself is the source of human evil, and the living life is far worse than death. These arguments are towards the general public of Romans especially those who are religious (both Roman and Greek mythical and religious influences). Socrates, on the other hand, is quite religious – evident in his holy mission to test the wise-ness of others.Show MoreRelatedThe Utility Of Myth : Plato s Metaphysics1624 Words   |  7 PagesMetaphysics ï » ¿Plato speaking from the mouth of Socrates in Phaedo, tells us, â€Å"people are likely not to be aware that those who pursue philosophy aright study nothing but dying and being dead.† (61a) As a philosopher Plato sought to offer not only descriptions of the world him around, but prescriptions as well. The above quote when understood metaphorically, for him, shows the aim of philosophy, and goal of the philosopher is and should be to scratch at the surface of our faculties. To do this, Plato believesRead MoreThe Body And The Soul1153 Words   |  5 Pagesthe visible body, which is impermanent. In contrast to this view, the soul is a higher form of incomposite energy that is always constant and never changing. 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