Philosophy: Preperation for Death
by An exploration of Socrates and his claims on philosophy being “the preparation for death and dieing.” Also explored are the proofs for the immortal soul.
Ever since man has existed, he has pondered the nature of his soul and his existence after death. We have made countless explanations and guesses about what happens after death, from elaborate schemes of mummification to the belief that nothing happens at all. The very question itself is one that cannot be explained empirically, and because of this the topic can never be definitely understood, no matter what people claim. What we do not understand we tend to fear. A man named Socrates breaks this mould; he did not fear death in the slightest. This stance may confuse us, for it certainly confused his companions in the transcript of his last moments as recorded by Plato. In the dialogue Phaedo, Socrates explains his stance and argues for the immortality of the soul. Socrates says that the practice of philosophy, when done correctly, is the practice for death and dying. Because of this, only a foolish philosopher should fear death, because he has been looking forward to this moment and preparing for it his whole life.
Philosophy, according to Socrates, is best practiced when separated from the body. Our bodies distract us and our senses mislead us, therefore the best knowledge comes from reason alone. Since death is the separation of the soul and body, death is something to be welcomed. When the soul is free of the body, the soul will be free of all of the distractions the body causes. Socrates goes on to explain that just because one does not fear death is he a philosopher, or enlightened in any sense of the word. Too often is it the case that a man only welcomes death because he fears something in life more than he fears the prospect of death. This is not courageous, this is cowardice and cowardice is disgraceful.
Given that death is something positive, even a cure some might say, why must one not take one’s own life? Seeing as we are the property of the gods, taking one’s life is destroying the property of the gods, and this is not desirable if one wishes to remain in the good graces of the gods. Because this is the case, some might say we should regret death because we regret that our service to the gods must end. Socrates says that when one is dead he lives on with the gods, and this is the highest aspiration known to man.
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