History Of Philosophy :: essays research papers

Philosophy is a vast field. It examines and probes many diverse fields. Virtue, morality, immortality, ending, and the difference between the psyche (soul) and the soma (body) ar just a few of the many different topics which can be covered chthonic the umbrella of philosophy. Philosophers are supposed to be experts on all these subjects. The bring well thought out opinions, and they are very involveed people. Among the virtually revered philosophers of all time was Socrates. Living around the 5th speed of light B.C., Socrates was among the first philosophers who wasnt a sophist, meaning that he never felt that he was wise for he was always in the pursuit of knowledge. Unfortunately, Socrates was put to death late in his life. One of his best students, Plato, however, recorded what had occurred on that kick the bucket day of Socrates life. On that last day of his life, Socrates made a instead powerful claim. He claimed that philosophy was and practice for getting employ t o death and dying. At first, the connection between philosophy and death is not clear. However, as we unravel Socrates argument backing up his claim, the statement makes a lot of sense. In order for Philosophers to examine their adult male accurately and fill the truth accurately, they must remove them selves of all distractions. These not only admit physical distractions, but they include mental distractions and bodily distractions as well. Philosophers must get used to viewing and examining the world with out any senses. Senses merely hinder and obscure the truth. Sight for example can be fooled tardily with optical illusions which occur normally in nature. Sound can be very distracting as well when a philosopher is trying to concentrate. All of these overcloud the judgement, and must therefore be detached from the soul. Socrates argues that philosophers must view the world around them with their souls in order to accurately learn about it. However, by detaching their souls from all bodily functions, philosophers may as well be in an induced state of death. In mortem, the soul wanders free and there are no bodily hindrances. Socrates also believed that philosophers look upon death with good scoff and hope. This I find hard to believe because if this were true, the philosopher would not be competent to love life, and without the love of life, there is no life to examine and learn about.