The Philosophy of Death Reader: Cross-Cultural Readings on Immortality and the Afterlife [Hardcover]

The Philosophy of Death Readerpresents 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.

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

This 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