Death, Immortality, and Meaning in Life

by John Martin Fischer

The most recent addition to the Fundamentals of Philosophy series, John Martin Fischer's Death, Immortality, and Meaning in Life offers a brief yet in-depth introduction to the key philosophical issues and problems concerning death and immortality. Its engaging and accessible narrative is clearly organized into ten chapters that address meaning in life, death, the badness of death, time and death, ideas on immortality, near-death experiences, and extending life through medical technology.

Genres: Philosophy, Death

216 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2019

Reviews

[Matthew Ochal · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was actually a really good read. Sitting down and taking the extra time to annotate and comment on the thoughts and ideas being presented was quite enjoyable, and overall, I've come out of this with some of my own thoughts and opinions having been shaken up a bit, which I think is quite a good thing.

[rye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got lots of annotations

[nima karimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book offers a profound exploration of life’s biggest questions. One of the book's most compelling aspects is its realistic approach, encouraging readers to avoid extremes and navigate between pessimism and blind optimism. Fischer advocates for a balanced view that recognizes life's complexities, inviting readers to form their understanding. He also explores near-death experiences (NDEs), acknowledging their significance without attributing them to supernatural causes. This perspective allows for a nuanced understanding of NDEs as meaningful phenomena that can influence our perceptions of death and immortality.

Fischer emphasizes the importance of companionship during the final stages of life, highlighting how the presence of loved ones can provide comfort and meaning. He encourages readers to embrace life's moments, recognizing their transience and appreciating the beauty of the present. By doing so, Fischer empowers individuals to find meaning and joy in their lives, understanding that its finite nature makes life all the more precious. This approach resonates deeply, reminding us of the value of human connection and the importance of living fully.

Ultimately, Fischer concludes that death is an integral part of the human life framework (at least up to now). By accepting death as a natural aspect of existence, individuals can focus on creating meaningful patterns and stories in their lives. Death, Immortality, and Meaning in Life is a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to reflect on their beliefs about death and the search for meaning. Fischer's balanced approach and engaging writing make this book a valuable contribution to philosophical discussions on the human condition.