The publication introduces the Asian understanding of life and death, which differs quite dramatically from the European one. This divide is reflected in the predominant philosophical method, which has been logical-discursive in Europe and mystical-meditative in Asia. The latter does not attempt to fully and clearly grasp reality but instead introduces silence, which enables the seeker to approach the topics of interest, including impermanence, in a whole new manner. The book deals with the main Asian philosophical-religious traditions, such as Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, within which it explores their common points as well as points of difference.
COBISS.SI-ID: 45703266
The paper explores some of the similarities and differences between Denis Diderot’s and Jeremy Bentham’s view on human bodies after death. On the one hand, the utilitarian sage’s attitude to dead bodies turns out to be more materialist than Diderot’s own, for, unlike Diderot, Bentham believed that it is the dissected and preserved dead body, that constitutes a man’s self after death. On the other hand, the materialist thinker’s attitude to living bodies turns out to be more utilitarian than Bentham’s own, for, unlike Bentham, Diderot believed that it should be permissible to dissect not only the bodies of “the insensible dead” but also those of “the susceptible living,” that is, the live criminals who have been condemned to death.
COBISS.SI-ID: 46162786
Christ's proclamation of eternal life and resurrection of the dead on the Judgment Day is a promise which should inspire a Christian with hope that death does not entail the end. It should mean an invaluable comfort in the toughest moments in life and encourage one to face death with dignity. The optimism brought by the gospel of Christ ought to shape one’s whole attitude to life, until death and beyond. Nonetheless, experience shows differently. When confronted with death of loved ones or one’s own death, fear of death often overrides Christian courage and hope for eternal life. European researches reveal that, unlike “formal” believers, deeply religious people do not fear death. A survey, carried out amongst a minor group of Slovenian Christians, however, demonstrates the opposite.
COBISS.SI-ID: 15617845