Final answer:
Socrates believed that the fear of death involves falsely assuming one knows death is to be feared, while true wisdom recognizes one cannot be certain of what death holds. He advocated for the examination of self and virtuous living over fearing the inevitable, underscoring the necessity of living a life that constantly seeks truth and knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Socrates on the Fear of Death
When Socrates says that the fear of death is simply 'thinking yourself wise when you are not,' he is highlighting a misunderstanding about the nature of wisdom and the unknown. The fear of death, according to Socrates, comes from assuming one knows that death is bad when, in truth, one does not possess such knowledge. In Socrates's view, death is not to be feared, as it might even be beneficial—a passage to a place of greater knowledge or a peaceful state. This perception mirrors his broader philosophical stance that emphasizes the importance of the examination of the self and living a life of virtue over the fear of the physical end.
Socrates distinguished between fearing death and fearing wickedness. He suggested that wickedness, which equates to moral corruption, is the true harm that befalls a person. The focus should be on avoiding wickedness and living a noble life rather than fearing death. This philosophy is powerfully articulated in his trial, where he opts for death over a life that would prevent him from engaging in philosophy—his method of self-examination and pursuit of truth.
The idea of an 'unexamined life being not worth living' is closely tied to Socratic thought. To Socrates, such a life is lived without proper scrutiny of one's beliefs, actions, and knowledge. Living without this deep reflection and understanding is, for Socrates, a far graver concern than the fear of death, which is a natural part of life and should not deter one from seeking a virtuous and wise existence.