Beyond the Grave: Belief, Knowledge, and the Conceptualization of Death in Philosophical Thanatology

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationship between belief, knowledge, and concepts in the context of death, situating itself within the domain of Philosophical Thanatology. By examining how temporal perspectives, intuition, imagination, and language shape our understanding of mortality, the research delves into the epistemological, ontological, and psychological dimensions of death-related beliefs. The study employs a qualitative, interdisciplinary approach, drawing on philosophical analysis, literary criticism, and cultural studies to investigate the formation, expression, and evolution of beliefs about death. Key themes include the temporality of belief, the role of non-rational faculties in belief formation, and the interplay between language and conceptualization. Through a close reading of philosophical texts, literary works, and cultural narratives, the research highlights the dynamic and multifaceted nature of human engagement with mortality. The findings underscore the centrality of belief in shaping existential attitudes and behaviors, offering new insights into the philosophical and cultural significance of death.