The Philosophy of Death

By: Steven Luper

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Paperback | 13 July 2009

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264 Pages

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22.86 x 15.24 x 1.4

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The Philosophy of Death is a discussion of the basic philosophical issues concerning death, and a critical introduction to the relevant contemporary philosophical literature.

Luper begins by addressing questions about those who die : What is it to be alive? What does it mean for you and me to exist? Under what conditions do we persist over time, and when do we perish?

Next, he considers several questions concerning death, including : What does dying consist in; in particular, how does it differ from ageing? Must death be permanent? By what signs may it be identified? Is death bad for the one who dies? If so why?

Finally he discusses whether, and why, killing is morally objectionable, and suggests that it is often permissible; in particular, (assisted) suicide, euthanasia and abortion may all be morally permissible.

His book is a lively and engaging philosophical treatment of a perennially fascinating and relevant subject.

About the Author

Steven Luper is Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department, Trinity University. He is author of Invulnerability : On Securing Happiness (1996) and his most recent edited volumes include Essential Knowledge (2004), The Skeptics : Contemporary Essays (2003) and Existing : An Introduction to Existentialist Thought (2000).

Industry Reviews

'... a comprehensive discussion of the metaphysical and moral aspects of death, and death's logical precursor, killing. Steven Luper is a major contributor to this fast-growing area of contemporary philosophy and he gives us a panoramic sweep of current literature, while making some important arguments of his own along the way.' F. Kaufman, Ithaca College

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Acknowledgments	p. ix
Dying
Introduction	p. 3
Life	p. 11
Life and living things	p. 12
Humanity, personhood, identity	p. 24
Death	p. 39
Death clarified	p. 39
Criteria for death	p. 49
Challenges	p. 60
The symmetry argument	p. 60
The timing puzzle	p. 67
Tranquility	p. 75
Mortal harm	p. 82
Prudential value	p. 82
The harm theses	p. 97
The timing puzzle	p. 122
The Epicurean challenge	p. 122
Solutions	p. 126
Killing
Killing	p. 143
The Harm Account	p. 144
The Subject Value Account	p. 149
The Consent Account	p. 158
The Combined Account	p. 161
Suicide and euthanasia	p. 171
`Suicide' and `euthanasia'	p. 172
Rationally choosing to die	p. 178
Morally choosing to die	p. 183
Intervention, assistance, and euthanasia	p. 189
Abortion	p. 197
Arguments against abortion	p. 197
Comparable lives thesis	p. 200
The Comparable lives argument	p. 205
References	p. 219
Index	p. 232

The Philosophy of Death

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

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Other Editions and Formats

Hardcover

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