Socrates refuses to fear death because he feels “wherever a man has taken up a position because he considers it best, or has been posted there by his commander, that is where he should remain” (Plato 27) Faithfully taken up the position as a philosopher, Socrates has been commanded by his god to examine himself and others, which he claims “is the duty of leading a philosophical life” (Plato 27) Allowing the fear of death to cause him not complete his duty would be sinful and unjust, for he would be disobeying his god. Socrates believe that those who fear death, believes they are wise when truly they are not because they believe with certainty that death is bad and is the most evil of all. He is hopeful that
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What does Socrates mean when he says that “an unexamined life is no life for a human being to live”? Do you agree? Explain.
Socrates believes that the purpose of human life is spiritual growth. Without growth, human life would not exist, for we would eventually die off. With examination comes questions, therefore a strive for answers and knowledge.
3. The Beardsleys claim at the beginning of their essay that a reasonable belief is more likely true than one that is not. Is this a philosophical belief? Explore its logical connections to other beliefs they seem to hold and examine what reasons there are to think it true or false. Do they provide any justification for this belief?
I believe a reasonable belief is more likely true than one that is not is in fact a philosophical belief. A belief is created from experiences, traits, and even passed down without question from family and friends. However, “a belief whose reasons have been examined deeply enough would then reach the level of philosophy” (Beardsleys’ 10)
4. Do the Beardsleys make a good case for the value of the study of philosophy?