Socrates and the Fear of Death
1. Introduction
In Socrates Apology, there emerge suggestive instances that point out perhaps, Socrates was afraid of death more than what modern literature might want to suggest. The paper will explore three such instances in detail.
2. Socrates and fear of death
2.1. Taking too long to defend
It is interesting to note that when Socrates is given an opportunity to choose his own punishment, he tries to take as much time as possible in doing so. It is almost like he is trying to stall for time and hoping that something would happen that would save him from execution. This instance points to the fact that Socrates might have been afraid of death.
2. 2. Hoping to succeed in his defense
Another instance that supports the claim that Socrates was afraid of death is the fact that he hoped to succeed in his defense. He even went so far as to say that if he did not succeed, it would be because the gods did not want him to. This shows that Socrates wanted to live and was not ready to die.
2. 3. uncertainty about the ultimate good of death
The third and final instance that supports the claim that Socrates was afraid of death is his uncertainty about the ultimate good of death. In the Apology, Socrates says that he does not know what happens after death and that it could be either good or bad. This uncertainty shows that Socrates was not at peace with the idea of death and suggests that he might have been afraid of it.
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, the three instances discussed above suggest that Socrates might have been afraid of death more than what modern literature wants us to believe. Death is inevitable and few people, if any, would claim not to fear this eventuality. Each living soul must go through it but it is still unclear what lies on the other side. This uncertainty might have caused Socrates to feel some apprehension about death which is evident from the way he behaved in his trial.