Introduction to Philosophy: Classics
2/13/2018
Socrates’ View of Death in the Apology
Socrates, in the Apology, presents his argument about death. He stands before the court
in defense for himself, having been accused of studying philosophy. Being put to death is the
final conclusion of the jury, for his actions. In this paper, I will thoroughly analyze and concur
with the three main premises Socrates give regarding death, thereby concluding that death is a
blessing. He begins his argument with the first premise, stating that there is "good hope that
death is a blessing, for it is one of two things" (Plato, Georges & Cooper, 40c). He claims that
this is true by continuing to argue that with no perception of anything, death is nothing. He again
continues to say that as it is said in religious belief, it is a transformation of the soul from one
place to another. Socrates refers to the lessons of Athens that claim there is life after death for the
soul, when he says, "As we are told" (Plato, Georges & Cooper, 40c). Believing this to be true,
Socrates argues that death is either nothing or as it is said by many religion and belief that it is a
relocation of the soul. It, therefore, makes sense that death can be a relocation of the soul, or just
it means nothing.it creates a chance for only two option, which may make true premise (1).
Continuing with his argument, Socrates state in his second premise that death is a great
advantage if it is nothing. He uses an analogy of sleep, comparing them as nothingness, to make
true assumptions. "If it is complete lack of perception, like a dreamless sleep, then death would
be a great advantage" (Plato, Georges & Cooper, 40d). He claims that a great advantage is to a
dreamless sleep since the day after that sleep is always better. Socrates says that death must be of
a great advantage if it is like a dreamless sleep since great advantage is to a dreamless sleep. This
comparison is used to persuade people to believe in his premise (2). The idea of a good sleep
seems appealing to the audience and therefore proves to be true.
Socrates does not stop there and continues to argue that in his third premise that if death
is really the relocation of the soul, then it is of great advantage too. "If on the other hand, death is
a change from here to another place, and what we are told is true and all who have died there,
what greater blessing could there be, gentlemen of the jury?" (Plato, Georges & Cooper, 40e). he
poses this question to the jury to add emphasis to his claim. He asks this kind of question
because it involves the beliefs of the Athenians. Since the jury believes in the Athenians belief,
have no option to agree to his claim. This can also be the reason Socrates think this claim can be
true. Socrates continues to provide more evidence by describing the story of Hades and life after
death, where one can, for the rest of his time, philosophize with the greatest thinkers. Socrates
believes that death is of great advantage if this claim is proven to be true.
Socrates, therefore, makes a conclusion that death is definitely a blessing. "I am willing
to die many times if that is true" (Plato, Georges & Cooper, 41a). He continues to say that he is
happy to join the company of Homer, Hesiod, Musaeus, and Orpheus. He continues to mention
Telamon and Ajax to call unjust his conviction, and he too can compare with them, their judicial
experience. Socrates thinks his claims are valid and sound. The arguments can be considered
valid and sound since death can be nothing making a great blessing. However, his premise (3)
could not be sound. Many religions have a different view of life after death thereby making this
claim false. This statement can then be considered a bad argument.
Work cited
Plato, Georges M. Grube, and John M. Cooper. The Trial and Death of Socrates. Hackett, 2000.
Topic: This essay is meant to build upon your first essay. In your first essay, you
analyzed/presented Socrates' views on death or Socrates' view on the law. In this essay, you
will respond to what Socrates says, and present your own reasons/arguments in that response.
Select one of the following topics as the basis for your paper (note that you must choose the topic
that corresponds to your first paper):
1. Death: Do you agree or disagree with Socrates' view of death in the Apology? You must
respond both to his "fear argument" and to his “two possibilities” argument.
a. If you agree with Socrates, then explain why you agree. You must also imagine
how someone might object to your view, and then respond to those objections.
b. If you disagree with Socrates, explain why, giving specific reasons and
arguments.
2. The law: Do you agree or disagree with Socrates' view of the law in the Crito? That is,
do you think that it is ever acceptable to break the law? You must respond specifically to
the "four arguments” that he presents in the text.
a. If you agree with Socrates—if you believe that it is never acceptable to break the
law—then explain why you agree. You must also respond directly to MLK,
explaining why King is mistaken in advocating for civil disobedience.
b. If you disagree with Socrates, then explain why, giving specific reasons and
arguments. When (or under what circumstances) do you think that law-breaking
is acceptable? Be specific, and lay out what criteria you would use. Remember
to respond directly to Socrates' four arguments.
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