The Purpose of Life

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how philosophers and writers throughout the ancient world pondered the meaning and purpose of life, and wrote works such as "The Epic of Gilgamesh", "Allegory of the Cave", and the "Apology of Socrates" in order to express their philosophical beliefs about human existence. Mores specifically, the paper looks at how the unknown Sumerian author of the "Epic of Gilgamesh" defined the purpose of life as a heroic but doomed pursuit of glory and immortality. In contrast, it shows how the ancient Greek philosopher Plato defined the purpose of life in "Allegory" and "Apology" as the pursuit of 'being' virtuous.

From the Paper:

"The Epic of Gilgamesh (2007) examines the purpose of life from an ancient Sumerian perspective but complements many of the themes of Plato's Apology and Allegory. The anonymous author tells the story of King Gilgamesh of Uruk, who was punished by the Sumerian gods for oppressing his people. Gilgamesh rules harshly over Uruk and burdens his people with immense construction projects he thinks will glorify his kingship. The walls and temples he commands to be raised are intended to win him lasting fame, but his hubris infuriates the gods, who create Enkidu in order to teach him lessons he must learn. Along with Enkidu, Gilgamesh embarks on adventures but is still defiant of the gods. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Plato. (2007). The Allegory of the Cave. Class Material.
• _ _ _. (2007). Apology of Socrates. Class Material.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh. (2007). Class Material.

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