After Life: Recent Philosophy and Death

The idea of overcoming death is presented as no longer a mere fantasy, but a legitimate discursive stance, with the advancement of technology and trends such as posthumanism and transhumanism. "After Life: Recent Philosophy and Death" is a collection of 11 essays addressing the place of death and its denial from a philosophical, psychoanalytic, and literary perspectives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The concept of immortality and the pursuit of immoral behavior has a long and intriguing history, dating back to the very first human being who was expelled from the Garden of Eden and fell into the realm of time. As Augustine recounts, this fall into mortality brought with it a profound sense of fear and uncertainty, as well as a haunting awareness of the finite nature of our bodies and the inevitability of death.

However, despite the inherent terror that comes with the weight of being human, there is also a sense of relief that accompanies the knowledge of our eventual demise. For some, the prospect of escaping the confines of the physical world and entering into a realm of eternal bliss or transcendence can be a source of comfort and peace.

In contemporary times, with the rapid advancement of technology and the emergence of trends such as posthumanism and transhumanism, the idea of overcoming death has become more than just a mere fantasy. It has become a legitimate discursive stance, with philosophers and scientists exploring the possibilities of immortality and the potential for human beings to transcend their physical limitations.

While death has long been regarded as the muse of philosophy, what would it mean (philosophically and psychically) to live in a world where death is no longer necessary? This is a question that has been the subject of much debate and speculation, with some suggesting that it could lead to a sense of meaninglessness and nihilism, while others argue that it could open up new possibilities for human flourishing and creativity.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the field of afterlife studies, which explores the various beliefs and theories about what happens after we die. These studies range from traditional religious beliefs about heaven and hell to more secular perspectives that suggest that our consciousness may continue to exist in some form after our physical bodies have ceased to function.

The essays collected in After Life: Recent Philosophy and Death offer a diverse range of perspectives on these topics, from philosophical analyses of the nature of death and immortality to psychoanalytic interpretations of the fear of death and the desire for immortality. The collection also includes literary reflections on the theme of death and its impact on human consciousness, with authors exploring the ways in which death shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Overall, After Life: Recent Philosophy and Death is a thought-provoking and insightful collection that offers contemporary and fresh insights on the place of death and its denial from a philosophical, psychoanalytic and literary perspectives. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human existence and the enduring fascination with the afterlife.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032443126