In the setting of the book, Socrates reveals that he was religious and was not against any belief that there exists a supreme being. This setting especially in the tenth chapter makes it clear that Socrates held a religious perspective different from what his philosophical speeches made the people think of him.
He refused to accept suicide since his religious believes did not allow him to. This is revealed in his recurrent dream and hence the idea of suicide was not in him. Taking the poison was not a punishment to him as the jury viewed it but to him, it was a consequence of his actions thus he adopted the ‘body as a servant’ view (Hugh, 239).
Suicide bombers may adopt this view and modify it so as to suit their activities but looking at their actions from Socrates’ perspective, that is suicide not a consequence of their actions. In adopting this idea used in death of Socrates, they will have breached law since Socrates had been condemned by the law while they will be doing it out of self will not punishment.
In conclusion, this book is good introductory to philosophy which is a discipline wider than any other known discipline. This book analyzes the various aspects of human thinking and religion that posed problems to the people of the past and enable us to evaluate ourselves and make valid decisions.
Works Cited
Hugh, T. Plato, The Last Days of Socrates. New York: Penguin Classics, 2003 Print.
