Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Readings on Death & Dying. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay on 3 readings from antiquity. While much has changed in the millennia since ancient Greece and Rome were in their ascendancy, the basic facts of humane existence have not changed. The specter of death haunts the modern psyche just as it did for Socrates, Plato, and Marcus Aurelius. The thoughts of these ancient philosophers can, therefore, inform modern readers as they offer food for thought on the topic of dealing with death and the fear of death. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khddasp.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
specter of death haunts the modern psyche just as it did for Socrates, Plato, and Marcus Aurelius. The thoughts of these ancient philosophers can, therefore, inform modern readers as they
offer food for thought on the topic of dealing with death and the fear of death. Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius addressed the topic of death in his Meditations. He
reasoned that since death comes to all and that, ultimately, all lives are perceived as short, the length of a life should be looked upon as having no real meaning.
He writes, "...what difference can there be between that which liveth but three days, and that which liveth three ages?" (Aurelius). While Aurelius certainly has a point that mortality is
indiscriminant, his attitude ignores the fact that human begins have an innate desire to survive, therefore, to the individual about to die, three days or three ages makes a great
deal of difference. While the student researching this topic is encouraged to express a personal opinion, to this writer/tutors way of thinking the words of Socrates, as recorded by
his student Plato, are much reassuring about each individuals task of ultimately facing death. In his Apology, Plato records the defense that Socrates offered at this trial for treason. Although
he defends himself well, Socrates is still found guilty and stoically accepts his fate, indicating that since only the gods are aware of what comes after death, it is foolish
for humanity to fear the unknown. Plato writes that Socrates said: For the fear of death is indeed the pretense of wisdom, not real wisdom, being a pretence of knowing
what the unknown; and no one knows whether death, which men in their fear apprehend to be the greatest evil, may not be the greatest good (Plato Apology).
...