PHIL 503U

Catalog description

Is there any evidence to support claims of life after death? This course will begin with a critical examination of some of the purported evidence, based on claims of: Reincarnation, Mediumship, and Near Death Experiences. Philosophical underpinnings of the question will also be studied: What could count as evidence of life after death? What specifically about ourselves do we believe (or want to believe) survives death? What is a human soul? Finally, an examination of the psychological and moral implications of the belief in life after death will be made: Is it necessary or helpful for alleviating anxiety concerning death? Is there anything morally wrong with maintaining beliefs that are not supported by empirical evidence? Is belief in immortality necessary for a meaningful life?