Javier, Allysa Kamille M. 3E2
TITLE:
An examined life: Necessary to Human Existence?
ABSTRACT. Philosophical arguments and methods to portray an examined life have been
provided by different philosophers over the course of time. However, practicing this philosophical
view has been regarded as a complex idea since it reflects opposing relevance to other rational
interpretations. This study would provide information about the significant contrast of a human
person living an examined and unexamined life. These two subjects will be analyzed based on its
relativity to a more purposeful life as a human person. One of the main objectives of this research
is to outline what human life really is. This will serve as the basic foundation of understanding
why should a human person shall be recognized to live an examined life. Since there are various
studies that claims and contradicts with the relevance of living an examined life, providing data of
the advantages and disadvantages in each of the two subjects will be given emphasis in this
research. After comparing the advantages and disadvantages, a final differentiation will be
delivered. The data that will be extracted from the differentiation would be used to prove the
essence of various philosophical views about this topic mainly the argument of Socrates; “An
unexamined life is not worth living” (Socratic method). At the end of this research, the aim is to
provide a deeper understanding and enhanced contemplation of the true essence of our human
existence.
I. INTRODUCTION
From its early beginnings, one of the agendas of philosophy is to make the idea of the examined
life and its quest for knowledge a central element of human life. Philosophy requires a person to
evaluate his or her life in order to reach crucial fundamental goals in life. Examining one's life can
take numerous shapes. Famous philosophers, Socrates and Nozick, analyze life in order to convey
important knowledge about life that has been examined and life that has not been explored. As
Socrates reiterates, “We must examine and understand the universe that dwells within our own
soul.”. That gaining understanding and wisdom about life itself should be necessary in able to live
a fruitful life. However, there are various claims and contradictions in this topic mainly because
of its extremely formative points. At the beginning of this research paper, the researcher will try
to explain and elaborate what human life is. This will serve as the basic foundation for the readers
to understand the its core principles. In consideration to the various arguments that have been
developed, this study will deliver and propose key components that supports different points of
views relying on living an examined and an unexamined life. By the end of this paper, the
researcher came up with a final differentiation that support gathered information and views in the
pursuit of one’s well-being.!This will focus on citing the relevance of having an examined life and
vice versa in accordance to living a more purposive life as a human being. The data that will be
gathered will come from observational studies about the said topic.
