Bloomsbury The Philosophy of Death Reader: Cross-Cultural Readings on Immortality and the Afterlife

The Philosophy of Death Reader presents a collection of classic readings from across the centuries and the continents. Organised around central metaphysical questions from whether soul is immortal to what can experience death, it brings together pivotal readings from ancient, modern and contemporary philosophers. The twenty-four readings require no background in philosophy. Featuring writings from Vedanta, the ancient Greeks, the Buddhist tradition, Christian eschatology, and recent analytic philosophy, they flow thematically and cover:- Key metaphysical topics including immortality, rebirth and the after- Scientific perspectives on biology and the brain- Axiological questions surrounding old age, the soul and how to live with mortality Accompanied throughout by editor's notes, introductory material, and discussion questions, this cross-cultural reader draws themes together, encourages further study and introduces a broad range of philosophical thinking about death. Review A timely and wide-ranging collection that covers the classic discussions through to the contemporary on a theme that we might well like to ignore, but cannot: the facts of own mortality. The introductions to each section helpfully position the papers. A must-read for every student of death.Beverley Clack, Professor in the Philosophy of Religion, Oxford Brookes University, UKThis is an excellent collection of primary source material on key topics in the philosophy of death, such as the nature of post-death existence and the (un)desirability of immortality. The selections, which represent ancient and contemporary thinkers from primarily Western and Indian philosophical traditions, are thoughtfully organized and given helpful and accessible introductions and annotations by the editor. This book is very well-suited for undergraduate courses in the philosophy of death, as it skillfully presents thought-provoking debates carried on across the centuries and invites students to join.Mark Berkson, Professor of Religion, Hamline University, USAThis new multicultural collection covers all the major themes in the philosophy of death from classical antiquity to the contemporary period. The readings are wisely chosen, and the volume is intelligently laid out with clear and helpful contextual introductions to each section and selection. Highly recommended for individual readers and classroom assignment.Levon Chorbajian, Professor of Sociology, University of Massachusetts, USA About the Author Markar Melkonian is Lecturer in Philosophy at California State University Northridge, USA.