Explain why Simmias and Cebes are so afraid of death in the phaedo, Essay

Explain why Simmias and Cebes are so afraid of death in the phaedo, whereas Socrates is not. Does Socrates' explanation convince you, or are you, like simmias a - Essay Example Socrates unequivocally asserts that any true philosopher â€Å"will be willing to die† (6). He is convinced that a better life awaits him. Death, as the harbinger of â€Å"the greatest good† (8), is something the true philosopher desires and pursues. Death may be defined as â€Å"the separation of the soul and body† (8). The philosopher is a seeker of truth and lover of wisdom, who pursues the essence of the knowledge of existence. In this pursuit, the body, with its’ lusts, sensual pleasures and physical needs, is â€Å"only a disturbing element, hindering the soul from the acquisition of knowledge† (10). Therefore, the philosopher desires death, which will release â€Å"the soul from the chains of the body† (11) and free the soul to attain the truth. His desire for the truth will be satisfied only by the separation of the soul from the body – that is, by death – which is the purification of the soul. Death is the philosopherâ €™s means to gain wisdom, while the body is his â€Å"enemy† (11). Socrates fearlessly and eagerly anticipates death and is ready â€Å"to depart with joy† (11) from this world. Cebes and Simmias acknowledge the truth of Socrates’ word, but continue to fear death, as they are afraid that the soul â€Å"may be destroyed and perish† (12) when she leaves the body, â€Å"vanishing into nothingness† after death. Socrates allays their fears by convincing them of the immortality of the soul. The accepted belief that â€Å"the living spring from the dead† (15) presupposes the prior existence of the soul, in another world, before it assumes human form. As recollection is an essential part of knowledge, this recollection is obviously gained by the intelligent souls’ existence in another place. The rebirth of the soul is proof of the souls’ immortality, as â€Å"everything living is born of the dead† (19). Once it is accepted that the soul is invisible,