Death: A Reader

by Mary Ann G Cutter (Editor)

Despite the fact that we all die, humans do not share the same view of death. In A Reader , Mary Ann G. Cutter explores prominent themes that emerge and reemerge in the history of ideas regarding the nature of death from prominent global perspectives that span ancient to contemporary discussions. Thirteen themes are presented in order to convey a sense of major views of death that are found in the philosophical and sacred literature of Asia, the Near and Middle East, and the West. Each chapter contains the context of the theme, primary source selections, reflections, and suggestions for further reading. Four features of this volume distinguish it from other philosophical texts on death. First, Cutter provides a culturally diverse selection of primary source readings on the nature of death. Second, along with the more traditional discussions of death, she provides discussion on emerging topics in death studies―namely, medical immortality and digital immortality. Third, she presents some of the key ethical issues regarding death, notably suicide, treatment refusal, and physician-assisted suicide, through the lens of the nature of death. Finally, she offers engaging practical exercises that challenge readers to think through their own personal and legal wishes regarding death and dying.

Genres: Nonfiction, Death

302 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2019

Reviews

[BLDinMT · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death teaches us something about how to live our lives." Reading this (text)book was an expectedly powerful and intimate experience for me. I appreciated an opportunity to consider life/death from so many different perspectives--medical, spiritual, practical, personal, community impacts, cultural aspects, and so on. I especially admired "Walk On," a contemporary Cherokee poem about death as well as Seneca's "Letter to Luciliuc" with its emphasis on quality of life.

I have to agree with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross who said, "It might be helpful if more people would talk about death and dying as an intrinsic part of life just as they do not hesitate to mention when someone is expecting a baby."

[LianaReads blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously this is not a book for everyone but I found myself drawn into all the details and descriptions, all the stories from different countries and civilisation, all the different details that every society has and go by regarding dead and the life after death.

[Suzanne Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really impressed at the great writings on one of the few subjects that everyone must face. I have recommended this to some of my more philosophical friends.