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Meaning in Lives Nearing Their End

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 November 2021

F. M. Kamm
F. M. Kamm*
Affiliation:
Rutgers University
*
[email protected]
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Abstract

In this paper, I consider the idea of meaning in life as I believe it has arisen in some discussions of ageing and death. I critically examine and compare the views of Atul Gawande and Ezekiel Emanuel, connecting their views to the idea of meaning in life. I further consider the relation of meaning in life to both the dignity of the person and the reasonableness of continuing or not continuing to live. In considering these issues, I evaluate and draw on Bernard Williams’ distinction between categorical and conditional desires, Susan Wolf's work on meaning in life, and Jeremy Waldron's views on dignity in old age.

Type
Papers
Information
Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplements , Volume 90: Death and Meaning , October 2021 , pp. 277 - 296
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal Institute of Philosophy and the contributors 2021

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