The Metaphysics of Death

Contributors; 1. Introduction: death, metaphysics, and morality John Martin Fischer; 2. Death Knocks Woody Allen; 3. Rationality and the fear of death Jeffrie G. Murphy; 4. Death Thomas Nagel; 5. The Makropulos case: reflections on the tedium of immortality Bernard Williams; 6. The evil of death Harry S. Silverstein; 7. How to be dead and not care: a defense of epicurus Stephen E. Rosenbaum; 8. The dead Palle Yourgrau; 9. The misfortunes of the dead George Pitcher; 10. Harm to others Joel Feinberg; 11. Reasons and persons Derek Parfit; 12. Why is death bad? Anthony L. Brueckner and John Martin Fischer; 13. Death and the value of life Jeff McMahan; 14. Annihilation Steven Luper-Foy; 15. Epicurus and annihilation Stephen E. Rosenbaum; 16. Some puzzles about the evil of death Fred Feldman; 17. Well-being and time J. David Velleman; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

'Some 25 years ago the ancient controversy about the compatibility of divine foreknowledge and human freedom came to life again. The relevant papers of those who have participated in the debate are scattered over several philosophical reviews. John Martin Fischer has brought them together and added a 50-page introduction in which he summarizes and evaluated the respective positions ... It is refreshing to see how logicians and philosophers rediscover an important but difficult issue of philosophical theology. The authors and the editor deserve our praise and gratitude for making their searching and challenging arguments available in book form.'Review of Metaphysics