Oxford University Press Confrontations with the Reaper: A Philosophical Study of the Nature and Value of Death

Presenting a clear and engaging discussion of classic philosophical questions surrounding death, Feldman investigates in a cohesive and comprehensive manner the great metaphysical and moral problems of death. In the first part, Feldman argues that a definition of life is necessary before death can be defined. He maintains that death is a conceptual mystery - it cannot be defined as the cessation of life, or in any other similar way. After an exploration of several of the most plausible accounts of the nature of life and death and a demonstration of their failure, a conceptual scheme involving life, death, existence, personality, and related concepts emerges from Feldman's analysis. In the second part, Feldman turns to ethical and value-theoretical questions about death. Addressing the ancient Epicurean ethical problems about the evil of death, he argues that death can be a great evil for those who die, even if they do not exist after death, because it may deprive them of the goods they would have enjoyed had they continued to live. After formulating principles that purport to evaluate the badness (or goodness) of death, Feldman concludes with a novel consequentialist theory about the morality of killing, applying it to such thorny practical issues as abortion, suicide, and euthanasia. Written to be accessible to the non-specialist, Confrontations wth the Reaper presents a conceptual framework for answering practical as well as philosophical questions on the nature and value of death that have immediate relevance to virtually everyone. 'Lucid, sensible, and insightful throughout.' - Philosophical Review