The philosophy of the after life

Published in Neos Kosmos Newspaper by Edward Spence on 11 September, 2011. Article examines the notion of the 'after-life' in Greek philosophy and particularly in Plato. In a world of uncertainty we can at least be certain of our own death. The question is whether, and in what manner, we should think of death - with calm, despair, or simple resignation? Should we fear it? Hamlet in his famous soliloquy contemplates that very question. Plato's after-life lies between the Christian notion of personal salvation and the Oriental notion of reincarnation. As an academic philosopher Spence sees his wider role in society as that of a public commentator on matters of public significance. Using his philosophical knowledge and expertise Spence creates short media articles of about 800 -1000 words to analyse and evaluate complex social issues philosophically. He draws on both ancient and contemporary philosophy in order to situate those social issues in the wider historical context of western civilisation. It is important to do so in order to raise awareness of the continuity of thought that shapes and grounds our understanding of these contemporary social issues. The media articles that Spence publishes in newspapers and magazines are part of his public philosophy research output. It also includes the writing and performance of original philosophy plays in public venues as part of his Theatre of Philosophy project. Unlike academic journal papers the media articles are written in a rhetorical style designed for a public audience but without comprising the philosophical rationale.