Death (Volume 15) (Central Problems of Philosophy) - Softcover

Scarre, Geoffrey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0773532412 ISBN 13: 9780773532410

Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2007

Synopsis

What is death? How should the knowledge of our finitude affect the living of our lives and what are the virtues suitable to mortal beings? Does death destroy the meaningfulness of life or would life that never ended be eternally and absurdly tedious? Can death really be an evil if, after death, we no longer exist as subjects of goods or evils? How should we respond to the deaths of others and do we have any duties towards the dead? Geoffrey Scarre addresses these important questions and many others in his introduction to the philosophy of death. Drawing from a wide variety of philosophical and literary sources, Death offers a highly readable study of some of the major ethical and metaphysical riddles concerning death and dying. Scarre shows that, far from being a morbid subject, reflecting on death and its significance is an illuminating way of reflecting on life.

About this title

Review:

"Throughout the book Scarre succeeds brilliantly in laying out many of the mind-blowing problems and paradoxes of death. He moves easily from the ancient Greeks to the theories of Feinberg, Nagel, Fischer, Freud and Jaspers, and he admirably sticks to the essential questions which are on the table. With great competence and skill, Scarre takes on the role of guide and teacher who breaks down difficult arguments and positions for his readers. And since death is such a complicated and tricky matter, this, in itself, is a feat worth celebrating." - Ethical Perspectives "A clearly-written introduction ... the book offers a comprehensive and thorough survey of this fascinating philosophical field." - Mortality "Lucid, informed, and engaging, Geoffrey Scarre's book is an excellent introduction to the philosophy of death. Scarre surveys the literature on the nature and significance of death and makes original contributions of his own." - Steven Luper, Trinity University, San Antonio

About the Author:

Geoffrey Scarre is a reader in philosophy at the University of Durham.

About this edition

• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0773532412
• ISBN 13: 9780773532410
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184