Christopher Belshaw

10 Good Questions about Life and Death

• Gebundenes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

What matters? Does life have meaning? Is life sacred? Is it bad to die? And can God and religion help? 10 Good Questions about Life and Death makes us think again about some of the most important issues we ever have to face. Drawing on examples from literature and film, as well as fictitious case studies, the author pulls these questions apart, considers how famous philosophers have approached them, and then offers solutions for further consideration. He avoids technicalities and jargon, ensuring that the book is accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of philosophy.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Wiley
• Seitenzahl: 192
• Erscheinungstermin: 6. Mai 2005
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 240mm x 161mm x 15mm
• Gewicht: 460g
• ISBN-13: 9781405125772
• ISBN-10: 1405125772
• Artikelnr.: 22431837

Autorenporträt

Christopher Belshaw is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Staff Tutor (Arts) with the Open University. He is the author of Ideas (1998) and Environmental Philosophy (2001).

Inhaltsangabe

Preface vi

1 Where Can I Find Answers? 1

2 Is Life Sacred? 15

3 Is It Bad to Die? 30

4 Which Deaths Are Worse? 44

5 Might I Live On? 59

6 Should I Take the Elixir of Life? 77

7 Who's Who? 92

8 Is It All Meaningless? 109

9 Should There Be More, and Better, People? 129

10 Does Reality Matter? 145

Notes and Further Reading 161

Select Bibliography 169

Name Index 173

Subject Index 175

Rezensionen

"This fine book explores these most inescapable ofquestions with a concern for what can honestly and reasonably bebelieved. It is free of any untoward ambition to announcesurprising discoveries, but neither is it anxious to reinforce easypieties." Gary Kemp, University ofGlasgow

"A witty and engaging discussion of the main issues thatarise when we ask searching questions about the human condition. Itinvites us to relish the deep questions rather than find shallowanswers. Use it as a friendly and smart coach who can help studentswrestle with high thoughts about the big questions while keepingtheir feet on the ground." Edward Langerak, Professor ofPhilosophy, St. Olaf College

"This book is a must for all reflective people -philosophers and lay thinkers alike - whose minds naturally turn toquestions of life and death." Stephen Holland, Departmentsof Philosophy and Health Sciences, University of York.

"A very engaging, highly readable introduction to some ofthe great questions of life and death. Belshaw is a thoughtful andskilled philosopher who writes in a crisp and lively way. Allow meto "add" one more question: What's not to like?" JohnFischer, University of California, Riverside

"These questions are more than just good - they take us to theheart of who we are and what life is for. Belshaw also shows thatthey have good answers, ones which can help us come to terms withour own mortality and that of others. This is not "pop philosophy"but real philosophy explained clearly and applied to the concernsof all thinking people. No one who reads this book could doubt thatphilosophy is still vitally relevant." Julian Baggini, ThePhilosophers' Magazine

"10 Good Questions About Life and Death is notonly an excellent introduction to the philosophy of life and deathfor the general reader, but it is also a worthwhile read for theprofessional philosopher addressing these issues." RejuvenationResearch

"...Belshaw takes these concerns seriously. His style ispopular, but does not lapse into philosophical journalese; and hisclear-headed arguments are nearly always thought provoking. 10Good Questions About Life and Death is definitely worth aread." Metapsychology