The Philosophy of Death Reader

Cross-Cultural Readings on Immortality and the Afterlife

Publication Information

Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication Date: 2019
Length: 431 pages
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-3500-6933-6

About The Book

The Philosophy of Death Reader brings together pivotal readings from across centuries and across cultures on one of humanity's oldest questions: What, if anything, survives death?

Drawing from a wide range of philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions, this collection explores competing views concerning mortality, immortality, personal identity, the soul, and the possibility of an afterlife. Carefully selected readings are organized around central themes and accompanied by editorial introductions that provide historical context and guidance for readers.

Designed for students, educators, and general readers alike, the volume offers an accessible entry point into the philosophy of death while presenting many of the most influential ideas and debates that have shaped human thinking across civilizations.

Themes Explored

• Death and mortality

• Immortality and the afterlife

• Personal identity

• The soul and human consciousness

• Religious and philosophical traditions

• Meaning, purpose, and human existence

• Cross-cultural perspectives on death

• Classical and contemporary debates

Reviews & Endorsements

"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 our own mortality. A must-read for every student of death."

— Beverly Clack, Professor in the Philosophy of Religion, Oxford Brookes University, UK

"This 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

"An excellent collection of primary source material on key topics in the philosophy of death. The selections are thoughtfully organized and given 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, USA