His DEATH Set Off the Age Of Philosophy: Socrates - Phaedo by Plato - Harvard Classics - HC2 Ep6
Oct 2, 2023
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Socrates, the philosopher who set off the age of philosophy, discusses the existence of the soul and acceptance of death. Topics include the significance of Socrates' death, the soul's fate after death, and arguments for the immortality of the soul. Socrates calmly accepts his fate and reflects on life and death before his last words.
Socrates emphasizes that true philosophers should not fear death, as it is what they seek and that it is the separation of the soul from the body.
Socrates argues that to obtain pure knowledge, one must detach themselves from bodily temptations and seek an existence beyond the physical realm.
Deep dives
Socrates' Last Moments and the Debate on the Soul
In this podcast episode, the story of Socrates' death is explored, focusing on his last moments and the philosophical discussions that took place. Socrates chooses to spend his final moments with a group of philosophers rather than his family, highlighting the importance of engaging in philosophical conversations. The concept of suicide is discussed, with Socrates emphasizing its wrongness and the belief that one should not be their own benefactor in death. The primary topic of the discussion revolves around the soul, with Socrates stating that true philosophers should not fear death, as it is what they seek. He examines the nature of death and argues that it is the separation of the soul from the body. Socrates also highlights the hindrance of the body in obtaining pure knowledge and emphasizes the importance of pursuing philosophical pursuits over bodily desires. The conversation delves into metaphysics, discussing the existence of the soul beyond the physical realm. Arguments are presented to support the immortality of the soul, including the concept of cycles and the idea of knowledge as recollection. The episode ends with Socrates calmly accepting his fate and reminding his friend Krito that he is the soul and not the body.
The Body's Interference and the Pursuit of Pure Knowledge
Socrates reflects on the body as a hindrance to achieving pure knowledge, as it tempts individuals with desires and distracts them from philosophical pursuits. He criticizes how our modern lifestyle, filled with distractions like social media and entertainment, prevents us from truly discovering our souls and pursuing self-improvement. Socrates argues that to obtain pure knowledge, one must detach themselves from bodily temptations and seek an existence beyond the physical realm. By exercising discipline and resisting the desires of the body, individuals can embark on a path of true happiness and self-discovery.
The Immortality of the Soul and the Existence Beyond Death
The debate on the immortality of the soul continues, as Socrates presents arguments against the common belief that the soul vanishes upon death. He draws parallels to the preservation of energy and the regeneration of life in cycles, suggesting that the soul transforms and continues to exist after death. Socrates explores the concept of forms and the existence of unseen realities beyond the physical world. The discussion also touches on the idea of knowledge as recollection, implying that the soul retains knowledge from previous existences. The episode concludes with Socrates accepting his impending death, emphasizing that the soul is eternal and separate from the body.
The death of Socrates set off the age of philosophy. It also set off the search for the soul. In the story of Phaedo we dive into Socrates' ideas on the existence of the soul before life begins and what happens to it after it ends. In the last minutes of Socrates's life after drinking the poisonous hemlock we watch as Socrates calmly accepts his fate and dies with courage and peace. His death is an important part of philosophy and is a sign of the times. We must not lose sight of what is true and virtuous and we have to instill reason back into society if we hope for it to function in a just way. I hope you enjoy the story of Phaedo by Plato as we read through the Harvard Classics.
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