Why does Socrates think that the body is an impediment to the soul?

Katherine Tinoco

Dr. O’Connor

Ancient Greek Philosophy

Exploratory Essay and Agenda

March 4, 2020

Death in Plato’s Phaedo

Based on a variety of philosophical ideas presented in Phaedo, I have chosen to research the topic of death in ancient Greek philosophy. Phaedo is the text that focuses on the separation of the physical state of being in a body versus the freedom of the soul. Though this comparison is a primary subject amongst others; Socrates believes that true philosophers are at ease with death. More specifically, I am going to relate it to the true connection of philosophical studies and death.

Prior to Socrates’ death, he states the following: “I am afraid that other people do not realize that the one aim of those who practice philosophy in the proper manner is to practice for dying and death. Now if this is true, it would be strange indeed if they were eager for this all their lives and then resent it when what they have wanted and practiced for a long time comes upon them (Phaedo, 64).” From this quote, we can gather that Socrates believes that there is a result from studying philosophy and certain behaviors (attributed to a proper philosopher) will ascertain their beliefs. It is important to note that the result in studying and living through philosophy would be lacking fear of death.

To understand death in Greek Culture, it is important to understand the non-philosophical standpoint and focus on the beliefs of the greeks. Ancient Greeks believed that for those individuals who displeased the gods, death would result in a endless torture in Tartarus. In order to prevent infinite torture in the underworld, it is an established belief in Greek methodology that it is in the believers best interest to be pious. During Socrates’ trial, the judges attempted to present Socrates as a heretic that spread chaos all throughout Athens. Socrates’ work was considered questionable because of his tendency to question everything yet he always pledged loyalty to the Gods. The idea that the spirit and the body are real separate entities which compose the individual was not purely derived from Socratic philosophy, it was an element that Socrates adapted into his teachings.

The issue that is left unanswered is, how can philosophy help you find comfort when facing death? Socrates provided the ultimate exemplification of one who does not fear death, when he requested that no one cry at the time of his death. His willingness to face death with no fear was a clear example of the correlation that philosophy and death have. The philosopher is above the common man, by the standard that he elevates his virtue and knowledge. The pleasures that are meant to service that body are what hinder the body from finding peace with demise. A philosopher who is concerned with the pleasures of sex and acquisitions of physical riches is not true to the teachings (Phaedo, 64e). Those individuals prone to following the desires of the body will fear death because of their attachment to worldly impulses. This idea in itself is not to be considered Heresy because it encourages the individual to feel content with death because they will reach the desired servitude towards the Gods. Socrates emphasizes what distances an individual from philosophy, rather than focusing on what makes an individual a true philosopher. A free soul is a soul that is not bound by the body, which Socrates deemed an illness.

In essence, Socrates teaches his students that philosophy’s end goal is not to change society but to achieve the truth and face death with no fear. There should be no resentment towards the end of a lifetime.

Sources

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"The Tibetan Book of the Dead". Philosophy East and West, 26(3), 317-327. doi:10.2307/1397862

Silverman, S. (2010). The Death of Socrates: A Holistic Re-Examination.

OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 61(1), 71–84. https://doi.org/10.2190/OM.61.1.d

WHITE, F. C. (2006). SOCRATES, PHILOSOPHERS AND DEATH: TWO

CONTRASTING ARGUMENTS IN PLATO'S PHAEDO. Classical Quarterly, 56(2), 445-458. Retrieved from Proquest.

MYSTAKIDOU, KYRIAKI. “DEATH AND GRIEF IN THE GREEK CULTURE.” Areteion Hospital, Baywood Publishing Co, 2015, sagepub.com.