Phaedo
Philosophy is a vast field. It examines and probes many different
fields. Virtue, morality, immortality, death, and the difference between the
psyche (soul) and the soma (body) are just a few of the many different topics
which can be covered under the umbrella of philosophy. Philosophers are
supposed to be experts on all these subjects. The have well thought out
opinions, and they are very learned people. Among the most revered philosophers
of all time was Socrates. Living around the 5th century B.C., Socrates was
among the first philosophers who wasn't 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 last day of Socrates' life. On
that last day of his life, Socrates made a quite powerful claim. He claimed
that philosophy was merely practice for getting used to 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 world
accurately and learn the truth accurately, they must remove them selves of all
distractions. These not only include 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 fo ...