Socrates has valid reasons to not fear death. He says, "Whether life or death is better is known to God, and God only" (CPQ 28). Since God has not told Socrates which is better, he decides that what the Athenians believe will suffice. When Crito suggests that Socrates escape and avoid death, Socrates asks Crito if the Athenians hold to living well, honourably and justly. Crito replies that they do and Socrates explains it is not just for him to escape prison and he must carry out his just agreements so he does not hurt the Athenian people. He wants to set an example and he cares far more for living an honourable life as part of the community, than setting a bad example and doing the citizens an injustice by not abiding by their laws. Socrates' personal reasons for not fearing death are reasonable and moral. Only a person who abides to the laws of the community with such dedication could be so fearless in the face of death.
English: The School of Athens (detail). Fresco, St...
Portrait of Socrates. Marble, Roman artwork (1st c...
Socrates-1-Socrates does not even worry about the world losing a great mind when he is dead. He only has concerns for the overall well-being of Athens. Socrates is a very honourable man in sacrificing his life to better serve his city and it is enough to say that in being honourable and knowing that he is doing the right thing, he has no reason to fear death.
When one has no reason to contemplate death because their life is not at risk, it is hard to determine if they will fear death when the time comes. Generally speaking, people fear what they do not understand. If one does not understand why their life is endangered or must be sacrificed it is likely that they will fear death. If a...