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?
People do have a need to feel that life matters and that they are part of something larger and more encompassing. This is because our existence is finite and we don't want to believe that when we die we leave nothing behind. Because as human kind we have established ourselves as superior to all other animals and to say our life has no purpose is to devalue ourselves.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to say whether other animals are as aware of their mortality as we are, but in some cases it would appear undeniable. For example, elephants who move to a specific when it comes time to die. The difference between animals and people is that animals don't fear death, because they aren't capable of intellectualizing what comes afterwards. However, a gazelle is afraid of tiger for obvious reasons, so does it have time to worry about dying of old age? Of course not, but this illustrates an important biological aspect of death. Without the ability to intellectualize death, it is naturally a scary thing.
DeleteI find it hard to say we are the only animal that is aware of their mortality, but we definitely are aware. Our thoughts on future events that might cause death exemplifies that we are aware, but to say other animals are not aware of certain situations in which they might die is hard to say.
ReplyDeleteWe have a need to feel that life matters and that we are a part of something larger and more encompassing. Most people believe in after lives and even if they don't, in most instances they care about what they leave behind whether it be in material possessions or a "legacy" so to say.
I can agree with Epicurus, but to say fear and anxiety concerning death is irrational might be a little unfair. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts so to fear death is okay in some sort.
1. I do not feel that we are the only animal aware of our mortality. We are just the only animals who know how to communicate when we are nearing death. Many pets as well as wild animals seem to be able to tell when they are are the verge of death.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, at least for me, I live for a bigger reason than just for myself. I think the human race in general feels a need to have importance in anything they do. We act selfish in that respect. There are far too many people out there who never do things for others out of the kindness of their hearts. Instead, some type of recognition must always be given.
3. "When I am, death is not, and when death is, I am not." This statement seems true to an extent. While a person is no longer living once they are dead, their spirit still lives. However, I do not think it is irrational to fear death. Almost everything about death is unknown and we, as people are programmedto fear the unknown.
We are indeed the only animal that is aware of its mortality. Humans are separate from the rest of the animals that exist in the world because their brains can conceptualize abstract concepts such as death. We communicate in life and we understand the capacities and the fates of the human bodies, most pertinently, death. Other animals are unaware of their mortality; while they may witness their fellow species members or other animals die, they have no understanding that it’s the terminal event of life, and therefore do not anticipate death. As humans, we make of the fact that we will die that it is inevitable and will indisputably occur to each of us. While it may entail anxiety, no one can logically be in denial or doubt over death; we must face that each and every one of us will cease to exist as human beings when our unbeknownst time comes. In response to the fact that we will indeed die, we feel anxious; because we know it will happen, it’s natural to have feelings of anxiety and confusion. It is, however, necessary to live life to the fullest and act as if we will live as long as possible, in order to endure the most fruitful life possible.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rank’s comment that “we have a need to feel that life matters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing.” Rank, in this quote, is stating that we must endure life in a productive fashion, taking the good with the bad, and fulfilling our purpose as an individualistic and unique member of the human race in its entirety. Our life is a journey; on that journey, we have the opportunity to make a mark on the world and do our deed to the human race, determining our legacy to be left behind. Rank encourages us to get the most possible out of life, for our memory will sufficiently take place of our existence after our time has come.
Epicurus stated, “When I am, death is not, and when death is, I am not.” Epicurus is correct in this statement because he is referring to the fact that death separates our physical existence from our physical nonexistence. Once death prevails, Epicurus alludes to, we do not exist; however, before death manifests, we exist. The fear and anxiety concerning death can be rational or irrational in nature. It is rational if we fear the anxiety associated with the process or pain of death; however, it is irrational if we fear the anxiety associated with the terminal, separating nature of death. Death, because it is guaranteed, can be approached with reason.
When viewing this blog earlier and considering my response on this topic, I was planning to write that we are NOT the only animals aware of our morality, basing this idea on how animals scatter when danger is near (gun shots, cars, etc.) However, after our discussion in class today, I am finding myself second-guessing my consideration. Now, I believe we must make a clear distinction between fear of danger and awareness of death. Animals recognize danger, but after more thought, I believe that these are instincts and learned responses from classical and operant conditioning/the deaths they have seen in their life. I do not, however, believe that these animals have the awareness of death that we do. Because we are consciously aware that death is inevitable for all of us, we live our lives differently as a result. We live out of fear of death and caution our actions because of these fears and/or we live life to the fullest, as we know that our time here on Earth in limited. Unlike humans, I do not believe that animals seek to live meaningful lives with the recognition of an inevitable death always following them.
ReplyDeleteBecause of humanity’s recognition of an eminent death, we live our lives with purpose, or as 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." With this recognition that our lifetime is limited, I think we, as humans, have a need to hold a deeper, longer-lasting meaning. We have a desire to cling to something or leave something behind that transcends our limited lifespan. It is our longing to live a meaningful life so that we leave a legacy that has no death. This longing for something more encompassing also turns many to faith and a longing to live to not only please humans, but to find favor with the one who conquers our spiritual death for eternity.
Epicurus states, "When I am, death is not, and when death is, I am not." With our human recognition of an inevitable death and our longing to cling to something deeper than physical life, I would argue for quite the opposite of this statement. We are so strongly influenced by the idea of death, therefore, I cannot agree with his idea that “death is not” while we are living. Death is and should be an active part of our lives. The recognition of death influences our behaviors during life. As Heidegger would argue, “death is what gives life its existential urgency. It allows us to understand our existence, to measure ourselves in the light of finite possibilities, to make choices and take responsibility for them.” (63) As a result of the awareness of death, we make daily decisions (a positive result of fear) to ensure our safety, such as wearing seatbelts and following the speed limit. As a result of the awareness of death, we should seek to make every day worth our while, forming and strengthening relationships that will extend beyond our lifetime. As a result of the awareness of death, many of us cling to an everlasting source, and live our lives so that we may also be everlasting. This point brings me to reject the latter portion of Epicurus’ statement as well. After my physical death, I believe that the true “me” will live on forever.
I noticed Ben was talking about the quote "We have a need to feel that life matters, that we are both special and a part of something larger and more encompassing." Imagine a world where we didn't feel obligated to achieve so much during our lives, do you think maybe then we could take life slower and enjoy it? I think its very possible death becomes scarier when were afraid we haven't accomplished enough to be remembered. If you look at the history of the world, think about the small percentage of people that are actually remembered. Maybe living you whole life trying to leave something behind for everyone else ruins your ability to live life for yourself. Maybe living life to leave behind a legacy objectifies death, so that we don't have to face it till the very end.
ReplyDelete1. I think it is safe to say we are the only ones who can communicate that we know about death. But can we be 100% sure other animals are not aware of death? It is easy for us to speculate that they have natural instincts about danger, but we can never be truly positive that we are the only species that knows. I think that they can sense what is going on around them and in that sense they have sense of what is going on around them, even if they can't communicate it fully.
ReplyDelete2. I tend to agree with everyone else. People feel the need to believe that we belong to something more. If not, then what is the point of living? In a sense it gives us something to live for.
3. Honestly, I had to read this statement a few times to fully understand the meaning. Once I understood, it seems very trivial, yet very true. Death and living cannot occur at the same time, or can they? This relates back to one of the first discussions we had dealing with life support. If a person is lying there with no chance of recovery, are they truly living? Some say yes, others say no. I believe this is an instance when one is dead and living. Technically they are still alive, but overall they are not. Again, it is all how you choose to view it.
I am not quite sure if we are the only animal aware of its own mortality. Currently I would be hesitant to say that my pet dog knows it will die from old age in 10 or so years or even sooner from something else. The fact is we can’t know because it is hard to understand an animal when they have no language and we can only find understanding based on their actions. In the case of animals, I have seen animals go off to die, but I am not sure whether that is attributable to instinct or because they really understand that death is the end of existence for them.
ReplyDeleteFrom knowing that our lives are finite we know that we have a certain amount of time left and it can humble some while frighten others. Humans have a need to be productive to a point. People want to justify that they are doing something with their lives because we know that our inevitable fate is ultimately death. We have a desire to leave behind memories or materially things to show that they existed and did not waste the time we have. People are drawn to religion because religion promises a continued spiritual life that people would want because if an afterlife exists we would want to justify ourselves worthy of being there by leaving a legacy behind. For people that don’t believe in an afterlife, being able to see death can make us look at our lives and motivate us to get the most out of it if there is no afterlife, but this to can go too far if one just embraces a hedonistic view on living.
Epicurus stated, “When I am, death is not, and when death is, I am not.” Epicurus was trying to make sense of death with an empirical stance. Since we can’t experience death in terms of what happens after we die then we should not be fearful of it. For the most part Epicurus’ views on death are not too hard to agree with but to say that any fear or dread about death is irrational may be going a little too far. If this line of thought is taken to far we almost put death to the back of our thoughts and only worry about living life that is most pleasurable to ourselves. I think that a little rational fear of the unknown is okay because we can’t possibly know what happens after we die and having awareness to our mortality can help us live better lives by motivating us to be productive and enjoy our lives. Although a fear of death that is rational can help us live more fulfilling lives, it can also damage one’s life if you become so afraid to even function anymore because the fear controls your life.
I think that we are the only animal that knows that it will die. Nonrational animals react out of instictive fear, rather than a calculated reasoning as to why they are afraid. I think everybody has to experience death in some way before they become aware of it. I don't think that people know instinctively that they are mortal, but unlike other animals, Man is able to realize his mortality by seeing other living things die. I do not believe that animals are capaple of that. I feel that most people are pretty "cool" about dying. Everybody has some fear of it, and most of us try to avoid it for as long as possible, but we recognize that it is part of life, and just accept it. It helps to some degree, at least for me, to believe that there is an afterlife. Having a hope for something after I die makes me feel less apprehensive about death. It also makes me feel that this life is worth living, if I have something to work towards. Otherwise, what is the point of being on Earth? If there is no reward in the end, I wouldn't want to stay here. (There had better be a reward, or else I will be all kinds of disapointed).
ReplyDeleteWhen we are, death is still a reality. It's kind of like potential energy stored in a boulder at the top of a hill. Just because the energy isn't in motion doesn't mean it is not there. Death is always there, hanging over our heads and waiting to kill us. And when we are dead, I believe that we still are, because I think that Humans have immortal souls. I suppose that if we were to accept Epicurus' statement, then fear of death would be rational or irrational based solely on how good a time that we are having in life. If life sucks, and death is the end of everything, then whats the point of prolonging life? That would be like staying on a roller coaster after you ate lunch and started to feel sick. You aren't having a good time, so get off. But if you are enjoying life, and death is the end of everything, then I think that a person would be very reasonable in fearing death.
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?
ReplyDeleteI believe that since we have a more advanced brain than other animals, we are the only ones that are aware of our mortality. I believe other animals may know of life and know theyre living, but they do not recognize that they will die someday, because that would invoke emotion which I dont think animals possess. Humans fret over dying because it is so uncertain as to how, where, when, why, etc. and what lies in the afterlife is a mystery to many.
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?
I agree that humans need to feel that way, because it is a chance to possibly accept death and know that the end of life is not actually the end of everything. If we are nothing more than a blip in time on this earth, then it leads to a pessimistic outlook on life and a feeling of meanninglessness.
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?
I do not believe he is right because I believe in an afterlife of Heaven or Hell. Therefore, when someone dies, or "when death is," they are no longer mortally living, but rather they live on in spirit with a new body in either Heaven or Hell. I believe that for Christians, fear and anxiety is natural concerning death but is not necessary, because we have the promise of an even better life that will never end.