Philosophy, Death and Education
Often regarded as one of life’s few certainties, death is both instantly familiar to us and deeply mysterious. Death is everywhere, yet few of us take the time to consider its significance in shaping human lives. This book addresses the difficult, complex, sensitive subject of death from a unique point of view. Drawing on insights from philosophers across the ages, the authors argue that death is a matter of profound educational importance. Paying particular attention to thinkers in the existentialist tradition, Philosophy, Death and Education shows that our understanding of death can play a key role in determining what, how and why we teach and learn. Death exerts an influence, often unnoticed, on our commitments and priorities, our ideals and relationships. A thoughtful examination of death, the authors suggest, can help us to see ourselves in a new light, and in so doing, allow us to better appreciate what others have to offer.
Peter Roberts is Professor of Education at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. His teaching and research interests are in philosophy of education and educational policy studies.
R. Scott Webster, PhD (Griffith), was Associate Professor at Deakin University in Melbourne. He is the author of several books including Caring Confrontations for Education and Democracy (2021) and Educating for Meaningful Lives (2009).
John Quay, PhD (Melbourne), is Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne. He is the author of several books including Education, Experience and Existence: Engaging Dewey, Peirce and Heidegger (2013) and Understanding Life in School (2015).