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Quote:

Originally Posted by xyzone (Post 797582)

Fear of death isn't a conscious choice as much as it is an instinct of self preservation. It translates into human fears with humans, but it's rooted in primal instinct. All prey knows enough to run away from their predators. At any rate, humans can suppress that fear consciously through various ways. If nothing else, some people who are mortally wounded show signs of total acceptance. Others show distress but it's difficult to say it's not simply the pain reaction because animals do the same thing.

This. The body reacts to physical, life-threatening situations involuntarily. In this natural aspect, we have no choice but to "fear" death.

But... I'm curious. Although the question is within its philosophical nature to be broad, I find it interesting that it seems to fail to recognize the difference between natural death and unnatural death. "I do not fear dying of old age, but I do fear the man intent on stabbing me to death." I think there is something of significance there...

Whatever the case, nevertheless, whether a person should fear death on a conscious plain or not, depends entirely upon a person's mentality; there is no right or wrong answer--no should or should-not's. Whether you fear it or not, death is inevitable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM (Post 797625)

Why do I feel like we are being asked to do someone's homework again?

I agree, but I sort of doubt they`re going to get the type of answer a teacher would want here...

To answer though;
I don`t really fear "death" - just the "dying" and "no more life" parts. Once I`m dead, I doubt I`ll care - but my life ending is not something I favor, particularly when death itself is likely pretty painful. Bring dead itself isn`t frightening.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM (Post 797625)

Why do I feel like we are being asked to do someone's homework again?

Because we're freaking nice and awsome enough to? :D XD

If i was to answer on a scientific way, i would go with what xyzone said. But im thinking on a different approach.

Not everyone has the same definition of "Death". For some, it means the end of everything they know. For others, it means just the biggining.

Terrorists don't fear death, but fear to die unnoticed and unremarked. (Martyr Syndrome)

If its different religious/cultural/filosophical beliefs, i dont know. Could be.

PS: Its 5:16AM here, i will give you a more complete answer once i get some sleep. (if you actually want one...)

No I dont think one should fear death, for its inevitable. Now maybe its the way you die that you might fear: old in you bed, or at 40 due to cardiac arrest, or even younger due to cancer. I still say not fear for its always coming. Your dying everyday.

thats just my two cents

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nyororin (Post 797633)

I doubt dying is the most painful thing possible. I'd say not even close.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM (Post 797625)

Why do I feel like we are being asked to do someone's homework again?

Love is selfish, huh?^^

Anyway, I'm not really religios so I'll ceep that logical:
The 'fear of death' is a natural protection instinct which prevents from doing dangerous things.
Even though I wouldn't call that fear, there's a nice word for it in German but I suppose a word with that connotation doesn't exist in english.

If you die, why would you need to care about that? You're dead!
And the world will not stop spinning because you're dead.
Sure some people will be sad, but the will move on.

You'll have to die, sooner or later, that doesn't make SUCH a big difference.
All you can do I make the best of the short time you were given. Means if you can reach something good with you're death it may not be a bad choice.
For the greater good.

Moreover this fear can really stress you if you think about it too much^^

So in my opinion if you have respect for death(you don't do any totally insane things) theres nothing to fear for.
Fearing to lose your life destroys your life.
(yeah, sounds a bit paradox)

Quote:

Originally Posted by xyzone (Post 797664)

I doubt dying is the most painful thing possible. I'd say not even close.

No, I`m sure death itself is not the most painful thing out there - nor did I say it was. But I seriously doubt it`s a great deal of fun either.
Plus, I`d say it really depends on HOW you die. The event that leads to your death might just be the most painful thing ever. Fighting to live, struggling through unimaginable pain... to die. That would not be much fun.

I don't believe in death, there's no such thing.

I bet a masochist would be delighted to die in a painful way.