The Oxford handbook of the philosophy of death /

The significance of death is a prominent theme for the Continental and Eastern philosophical traditions, but the contributions of analytic philosophy to inquiry concerning death are not as familiar. The editors of this volume seek to address this with a collection of new essays from analytic philosophers who have made significant contributions to recent discussion of the metaphysics and ethics of death, dying, and killing. This handbook offers a diverse survey of contemporary work with some discussion of its historical touchstones (particularly the thought of Epicurus and Lucretius). Topics range from ordinary-language analysis of the concept of death, and the associated problems of personal identity and temporal persistence, to value-oriented examination of whether death is bad or evil, the possibility and value of immortality, and what constitutes the wrongness of killing. Contributors make frequent and helpful use of thought experiments and references to popular culture to ensure that difficult concepts and arguments are clear. The argumentation will be accessible for those possessing a basic familiarity with analytic methodology. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty. D. A. Forbes West Chester University of Pennsylvania