Prompts courtesy of Christy:
1. Are we the only animal that is aware of its mortality? What do we make of the fact that we will die? What do we feel in response to that fact and why?
2. Rank states: "We have a need to feel that life matters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing." Do you agree? Why?
3. Epicurus stated: "When I am, death is not, and when death is, I am not." Is he right? Based on this statement is fear and anxiety concerning death irrational?
1.I believe that humans are the only animals that are truly aware of our mortality, and because of that, we experience quite a bit of anxiety. As explained by Becker, biologically, animals are programmed to protect themselves from other things that may hurt them, and ‘“…only the most fearful individuals…survived to pass on their offspring…The result…was ‘the emergence of man as we know him: a hyper anxious animal who constantly invents reasons for anxiety, even when there are none”’ (qtd. in Barry 52). Becker goes on to state that the fear of death is one of our basis instinctual drives and because of this, death torments us. To decrease this torment we have ways of getting it out of our minds. Barry goes on to investigate the many ways that we do place death out of our minds, but concludes that the basic fear of death may never go away completely. Many philosophers argue that this realization about death propels us to make something of our lives, do something with every precious moment. I believe that the fear can be channeled into a type of motivation, but I also think that death anxiety will never go away – the plight of being the only animal aware of our mortality.
ReplyDelete2.I very strongly agree that "We have a need to feel that life matters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing"(Barry 60). Humans are always looking for ways to extend their influence past our mortality – in fact, it is one of Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development: Generativity vs. Stagnation. In many of our common fairytales, the hero is remembered forever, making him timeless. Also stated by Rank, ‘“…confronted by the overwhelming terror of death, we strive to keep it unconscious. This includes erecting elaborate systems of ‘heroic projects’ or ‘world-historical’ living for transcending death. All of this ‘character armor’ allows us to feel safe and in control, a necessary delusion, perhaps, but nonetheless a basic dishonesty about our whole situation”’ (Barry 60). By working to create and build structures to outlast us, humans try to deny death, or at the very least, worry about it less, that is why it is essential for us to be a part of something bigger then oourselves.
3. The fear of death is not irrational, even if we are just a conglomeration of particles that dispense after death. First, I do not believe that Epicurus is right. I believe that the soul transcends the body after death – the body becomes a part of the earth once more, but the true human inside continues to live on. I also believe that the fear of death is rational – the main argument of the Deprivationists. As stated by the Deprivationists, it is rational to fear death because, “…death is an evil…not because being dead or nonexistent or unconscious is objectionable, but because of the desirability of what it deprives us of” (Barry 73). I believe that death deprives of all the goods that we can further experience in life and thus it is rational to fear it – even if the event of death is not a conscious act by the person.
Epicurus stated: "When I am, death is not, and when death is, I am not." Is he right? Based on this statement is fear and anxiety concerning death irrational?
ReplyDeleteI wish that I could give a direct answer to this question. I think that my spiritual and religious believes really aid in my indecision on if death is or isn't harmful to the person who dies. I think that fear is a direct result of the unknown. Since we will never truely know what death and what awaits us, I do not find it irrational to fear it. I just think that the fear of dying should not negatively effect living. If anything, it should cause us to live each day to the fullest.
I loved the quote at the end of Ch. 4. It states: In concentrating the mind, death helps us to live as we should, not merely like we are supposed to so that when our time comes to die, we depart, not without regrets necessarily, but with the right ones.
By living a life as we should, if death is really the end, I think that I can accept it.
I also believe that humans are the only animals that are truly aware of mortality. I think that animals are fully aware of the dangers of death and try to protect their young from them, but I don’t think they grasp the fact that one day each of them will die eventually. I agree with Michelle in that “We have a need to feel that life matters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing” (Barry 60). I think we need to feel that life matters and we are a part of something larger in order to give us motivation to actually experience life. If you don’t think you have a purpose or that your life doesn’t matter you probably wouldn’t even see the point of getting out of bed. Doing things for others makes us feel needed. If we feel needed by others then we feel that we need to get up and do things, if not for ourselves at least for the others that depend on us.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that Michelle brought up common fairytales. It made me think of the fact that most of them end in, “And they lived happily ever after.” This could be a result of more than one reason. Do the authors just want to use it as an easy way to end the story? Is the hero of the story actually immortal? Or do the authors just not want the reader to have to face the fact that the hero will die at some point or another? Is this yet another way that we deny death? I think the fear of death is rational because what actually happens after death is unknown. Even though most people have certain beliefs about what will happen after they die, we really don’t know what will happen until we experience it ourselves. Therefore, I don’t think fear and anxiety concerning death is irrational.
2. I agree with Rank and that "We have a need to feel that life matters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing." I agree with Rank because I believe that each individual has a purpose on this earth. Each individuals life matters to someone and we all impact others in ways that we may not completely see. However everyone shares something specials with others in this large encompassing world.
ReplyDelete3.I believe that the fear of death is irrational. I believe that it is irrational because nobody on this earth knows what death is and what exactly comes after death. I believe that death is one of those things that is feared by many people and I believe they have a right to be afraid of death. The only idea of what will come after death depends on ones religious beliefs,and that varies among everyone.
1. We aren't the only animal that is aware of its mortality. This is proven that animals defend themselves and protect their young. If animals weren't aware of their mortality then they would be killed off by their predators. It would seem that animals don't worry about death as they act solely on instinct. As Berry said, animals don't feel emotions which is what separates us from them. As human beings we know that eventually we will die, but we put this fact on the back burner. If human beings were to place the subject of death as the highest priority then no progress would be made in society. It is only when we are within weeks to days of death do we suddenly realize what is coming. As humans we we respond in various ways. Some accept death while others remiss and fall back into old memories.
ReplyDeleteRank states: "We have a need to feel that life matters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing." Do you agree? Why? I agree with Rank. Life does matter, the way you live life will ultimately affect others and they way they live their lives. Each person has a purpose and by fulfilling that purpose we are becoming part of something larger. We can cause change to happen and make life more meaningful if we live for/with a purpose. By participating in the larger picture it makes our lives more meaningful and we get a sense of pride and accomplishment, you can create a change and strive for a better tomorrow. Most people would like to look back on their lives or have other be able to look at what they have done and say "Wow, I've done something that other will benefit from". Today, the anniversary of my Grandpa's death, I am meeting with my family for a celebratory dinner, honoring him and everything he did with his life. He was such an amazing man and by celebrating him we can talk about him and show my younger cousins what a great man he was and how he was able to be part of a larger impact on others.
ReplyDeleteEpicurus stated: "When I am, death is not, and when death is, I am not." I do not think fear of death is irrational, no one can define death and what follows, no one can explain to us what it is like; thus fear and anxiety concerning death is created. Today (9/21) is the anniversary of my Grandpa's death. I would like to think that he is in heaven, watching over me and following me on this journey of life. I have anxiety over today because I having a feeling that something bad is going to happen. Death is scary and causes anxiety and I think that every person has a right to be scared, it is not something we like to think about.I may think that there is a life after death but because what the thought maybe it is dependent on one's religious beliefs. Without knowing what follows death it can cause worry and anxiety, completely normal.
from Megan
ReplyDeleteChapter 3
I agree that humans are the only animals that are in fact aware of their mortality. I believe that every animal has the instinct of self preservation but the conscious ability to contemplate and process death is something that belongs only to human beings. This ability to contemplate death is in fact what causes people to fear death, while animals can fight for survival, I don't think they ever experience the constant anxiety that the idea of death can cause for humans. I do agree with Rank that people seek out meaning in their lives, it is part of many people's reflection on death to look back at their lives and determine if they had in fact done anything worth while with their lives. In terms of fearing death being irrational, I would have to disagree, even with all the philosophical ideas that we need to come to accept death as a personal matter there is still an uncertainty in death that no amount of preparation can prepare you for. Personally, I feel that it is part of human nature to feel anxious about change and the unknown and death is very much apart of that unknown.
Humans are most certainly the only animals that know of their own mortality simply because we are the only organism that are able to think about a future. Animals, on the other hand, act on basic instincts such as self-preservation rather than possess any type of fear of death. It is our knowledge of our own mortality that gives rise to the widespead belief among humans of an afterlife. It is the belief in something after death that provides us comfort and helps calm our fear of death. The unknown is what terrifies human beings the most and what waits for us when we die is perhaps the greatest unknown of mankind. Like I previously stated, religious faith is very comforting when we think of death. Perhaps even more comforting as C. Green stated, if we live a fulfilling and wholesome life, then death should be much easier to accept when the time does come. As for me, I will have to disagree with Epicurus' statement. While my physical existence ceases when die, my spirit or personhood is still in existence in the afterlife. Death does not end a human beings existence as a whole.
ReplyDelete1. I believe that we are not the only animal that is aware of its mortality. Other animals seem to change their behavior when they know they are dying. Other animals are smart and have their own way of comprehending things, in fact when some animals know they are dying they will remove themselves from their natural habitat. I think we, as humans, feel that we are superior to other animals, but I don’t think that we really are.
ReplyDelete2. I agree with what Rank says because I feel that we all have a desire to belong. We want to participate in things and we want to inform others about the things we are involved in. I also think that our actions could cause a chain of effects. The things we do and say affect others, maybe not directly but certainly indirectly. We may not see an immediate impact but there will be one at some point.
3. To say that Epicurus is right is saying that everyone who fears death is irrational. I believe that everyone has their own fears and anxiety about death, and who are we to say that these fears are either rational or irrational?
1. Like a lot of other people on here I believe that we are not the only animals who are aware of their own mortality. I think other animals are aware that they are dying because their bodies are not acting the same as it usually does, and maybe they can be aware that certain body systems are shutting down. A animal has to know that something is wrong. I do think that we may be the only animals that get anxiety towards death because we don't know what is going to happen after, but other animals definitely are aware of their own mortality.
ReplyDelete3.Epicurus would think that it is irrational to fear death because we has humans wouldn't exist once death happens, so it will not be harming us so there is no reason to fear it. However, I don't see a problem if someone does fear death or not. We cannot judge them if they're not ready to die. Anxiety may come from the actual dying process or maybe a person might be afraid of where they might go after they die. I hope I do not have anxiety when I die because of my religion, I feel that my soul is going to go to Heaven. It's not right to say that fearing death is rational or irrational.
Anne Schoettelkotte
ReplyDeleteI beleive that humans are the only animal aware of their mortality. Yes while animals may act different when they know they are sick and dying, that action is more out of instinct. Humans have the capacity to speculate about what is going to happen to us at the end of our lives. And we tend to do this quite abit. Animals I don't think experience the fear or anxiety of death that we do. The reason why we tend to have anxiety about death is because nobody has an idea of what it will be like. I mean we have an idea of what it could be like depending on what religion we belong to. But everyone has their own idea and whose to say what is the correct one? I agree with jaime when she said that "Its not right to say that fearig death is rational or irrational" because I think depending on what you beleive, will tell whether or not you are irrational or rational about this matter. If you beleive that when you die you will go to heaven and see your loved ones, then most likly you will not have the irrational fear of death. However, if you have been told that because you are a bad person and you will suffer in the afterlife, then I think its rational to have that fear of death. It all depends on how you look at it.
1. I agree with the students who believe that we are the only animals aware of their mortality. I believe that while animals are aware of death, they are not aware of their mortality. They will react in order to avoid danger and death because animals have a basic instinct to survive. I do not believe that at points in their life, however, they know that they will die at some point, no matter what they do. Therefore, they have to fear or anxiety of death because they are unaware that it will happen. What each human does with knowledge of his/her mortality depends on the person. Some people fear death. While this may seem futile, it is necessary to have some fear of death otherwise one would live too carelessly. Others embrace it by making it their life motto that everyday could be their last so they make the most of it. Many prepare for it as well by writing wills and making funeral and burial arrangements. Many others believe that it will not occur till they are older, so they do nothing to prepare for it until then. Some people have these arrangements made earlier in life.
ReplyDelete2.I agree with Rank’s statement of “We have a need to feel that life maters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing.” If one did not think they had a purpose, then what would be the point of anything? If there was no reason to do something, one probably wouldn’t do it. Every person is meant for something. I really liked Ashley York’s statemen, “ Each individual’s life matters to someone and we all impact others in ways that we may not completely see.” I think that this is very true and is a very good point as to why life matters.
3. I agree with Katlyn Orzech’s comment: To say that Epicurus is right is saying that everyone who fears death is irrational. I believe that everyone has their own fears and anxiety about death, and who are we to say that these fears are either rational or irrational?. Some people say all fear is irrational. For a fear to be irrational, it means that there is no reason associated with what fear. Many find reason in leaving everything they know and the people the love and then facing something completely unknown to be enough to fear death. While it may be pointless to have an extreme fear of death since nothing productive will come from that fear. A fear of death or the desire to live causes many people to make smart decisions and avoid danger.
2. I would agree with Rank on the basis that the discussion is about 1st world countries. Rank's argument could be countered by finding some parents that live solely to better their offspring. At that point the individual gives up many luxuries of life and much of their time knowing that their suffering will better their children. It is arguable that Rank's point encompasses the counterpoint, but living to better someone else doesn't seem to be the context of Rank's statement.
ReplyDelete1. I think other animals can sense danger and/or death so I feel as if they too are aware of their mortality; however, humans tend to be the only ones that actually contemplate the meaning of mortality and its effects. We tend to see death as inevitable and it often causes us to change the way we view and live life. Knowing death will occur encourages many to live life to fullest or pursue a religion.
ReplyDelete2. We do have a need to feel like our lives mean something. Whether through our children, our accomplishments, or through example, we all hope to make a positive difference in the world we leave behind. I agree that we have a need to belong to something larger than ourselves. I think we are inclined to think this way because it’s what our Creator wanted.
3. The fear and anxiety concerning death is rational if your belief is based on Epicurus’ statement. To think that we cease to exist completely after death makes death seem final. That can be a scary thought to many who may have always believed that a rewarding place like heaven exists.
1. I agree with Katelyn and Anthony that we are not the only animals that are aware of their mortality. This is proven by a predator approaching an animal and them running or fighting. They do this because they know if they do not they will die. If an animal was not aware of their mortality, this would not occur. With that, I believe humans focus on dying and how to make their life more enjoyable. Humans tend to focus on doing whatever they can to prevent death and extend their life which then causes humans to experience anxiety and fear of death.
ReplyDelete2. I do believe that humans want to feel like their life matters and feel special like they made an impact during their time here on Earth. I think this happens because no one wants to be forgotten. I know that is one of my biggest fears about dying is that no one will remember me in a few years. I want to have an impact on at least one persons life so I will be remembered in a good way. I agree with Sadie's statement that we need a purpose to live or there would be no point to live any longer.
I believe that animals are aware of their own mortality. I think this is truth because if animals weren't aware of their own mortality, then why would they have the urge for "survival of the fittest", and running for their lives if a predator was coming towards them. Perhaps that is "instict" but isn't awareness of mortality an "instinct", regardless of who feels it, animal or human? I also agree with Kammi with the idea that humans are, in my belief, however, the only animal that "lives to the fullest" we understand what loss life TRULY is, not just "mortality" so we strive, to live the longest and fullest possible.
ReplyDelete