Modern Philosophical Perspectives on Death and Dying

with Peter Banki

With good reason death has been considered to be one philosophy’s most important and enduring questions. What is the meaning or meaninglessness of existence in relation to mortality and death? Can one learn to die? How are philosophical approaches in this regard different from religious ones? What is the role of faith in relation to death? What role do others play? Is death an 'experience' that takes place simply at the end of existence? Or is it rather something that traverses life and is an integral part of it, pre-determining our relations with others and communication? What is death’s relationship to love? And to what extent is death knowable?