Classical Stuff You Should Know – Episode 268: Hamlet and Socrates and Death
Release Date: October 8, 2024
In Episode 268 of Classical Stuff You Should Know, hosts Thomas Magbee, AJ Henenberg, and Graham Donaldson delve deep into the contrasting perspectives on death as portrayed by two iconic figures: Socrates and Hamlet. This episode intricately explores philosophical frameworks, societal motivations, and the impact of beliefs about the afterlife on human happiness and behavior.
1. Introduction and Setup [00:07 – 01:04]
The episode begins with the hosts engaging in light-hearted banter about Graham Donaldson’s recent bout with a minor illness, humorously referring to his persistent cough as a "fourth co-host." This casual exchange sets a warm and approachable tone for the episode.
2. Genesis of the Episode: Courses and Student Insights [01:04 – 05:33]
Graham explains that the episode was inspired by his interactions during a class on Plato's Republic. While discussing various forms of government—aristocracy, timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and tyranny—a student (shout-out to Scout Sours) raised an insightful observation: "Everybody in those societies also seems to be motivated by a fear or a thing that they don't want." Specifically, she noted that aristocrats are driven by "the fear of judgment of the gods."
3. Socrates’s Perspective on Death [05:33 – 15:18]
Graham transitions to Socrates’s views on death as depicted in Plato’s Apology. Socrates presents a compelling defense against the fear of death, arguing that it is either:
- Nothingness: Comparable to a deep, dreamless sleep, which he likens to "a wondrous gain" (07:55).
- Migration of the Soul: A journey to another realm where he could continue his pursuit of wisdom and justice.
Socrates maintains that fearing death is irrational because it assumes knowledge about something inherently unknown. Instead, he embraces death with calm acceptance, believing that his virtuous life ensures that death cannot be harmful to him.
Notable Quote:
"To fear death, men, is in fact nothing other than to seem to be wise, but not to be so." – Socrates (08:06)
4. Hamlet’s Perspective on Death [15:18 – 50:16]
In stark contrast, Hamlet's contemplation of death is encapsulated in his famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy. Hamlet grapples with the uncertainty of the afterlife, dubbing it "the undiscovered country," which instills a profound fear and paralysis in him.
He questions the allure of ending his sufferings through death but is hindered by the dread of the unknown consequences that death may bring. This fear leads him to endure his "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" rather than take a definitive action.
Notable Quote:
"Thus conscience does make cowards of us all." – Hamlet (50:16)
5. Comparing Socrates and Hamlet [50:16 – 58:59]
The hosts engage in a nuanced comparison between Socrates and Hamlet:
-
Socrates:
- Clear Framework: Believes in a structured afterlife governed by divine justice.
- Mission-Driven: Feels compelled by a divine mission to seek and promote virtue.
- Calm Acceptance: Faces death without fear, grounded in his belief that his actions are inherently good.
-
Hamlet:
- Indecision and Overthinking: Lacks a clear framework or mission, leading to anxiety and inaction.
- Fear of the Unknown: Haunted by uncertainties about the afterlife, which paralyzes his ability to act.
- Despairing Outlook: Views life as filled with injustice and suffering without a clear path to purpose or resolution.
Graham posits that while both characters are intellectual and perceptive, Socrates’s structured belief system equips him to face death with equanimity, whereas Hamlet’s existential uncertainty traps him in a cycle of despair and inaction.
6. The Role of Afterlife Beliefs in Classical and Modern Education [58:59 – End]
The discussion shifts to the implications of these perspectives on education and modern society. David Hicks's critique is examined, where he asserts that contemporary education lacks a robust framework regarding the afterlife, which is essential for fostering virtue and meaningful action.
The hosts argue that without a metaphysical belief in an afterlife or a system of ultimate justice, individuals may experience heightened anxiety and diminished motivation to act virtuously. They emphasize that a belief in an afterlife or a higher moral order provides a sense of purpose and accountability that is crucial for personal and societal well-being.
Notable Quote:
"If you have some sort of sense that there is justice in the world, in the universe that matters and all the bad will one day be brought to justice and all the good will be held up and said, that this is good is a tremendously liberating thing." – Graham Donaldson (57:03)
7. Final Reflections and Conclusion
The episode concludes with reflections on how modern society tends to mirror Hamlet's existential angst rather than Socrates's serene acceptance. The hosts advocate for re-establishing a metaphysical framework that underscores the significance of virtuous living, akin to classical education's emphasis on virtue as an end in itself rather than solely as a means to an afterlife.
Thomas wraps up by encouraging listeners to engage with their spiritual and philosophical beliefs to cultivate a balanced and purposeful approach to life and death.
Closing Quote:
"The wise man is the jolly one, dispensing wisdom and experiencing the best of life all the time." – AJ Henenberg (43:13)
This episode offers a profound exploration of how differing beliefs about death can shape one's approach to life, virtue, and action. By juxtaposing Socrates’s philosophical clarity with Hamlet’s existential turmoil, the hosts illuminate the enduring relevance of classical philosophy in addressing modern-day anxieties and the quest for meaning.
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