The Palgrave Handbook of the Philosophy of Aging

"In The Palgrave Handbook of the Philosophy of Aging, Geoffrey Scarre has assembled an impressively wide-ranging collection of new essays on the philosophy of aging. May you live long enough to find a better 'geranthology'!" (David Benatar, Head of the Department of Philosophy, University of Cape Town, South Africa) "What does it mean to be old? Is there such a thing as successful aging? This very diverse collection of essays covers a long history of reflection on the subject, from the Biblical observation of a time to be born and a time to die and the classical philosophical view that links old age to wisdom and moral virtue. Contemporary science has brought new dimensions to the aging concept while philosophy of mind can provide insights into the unwelcome condition of dementia. There is much to be gained from this book both for the scholar and the interested amateur - this is a subject in which we all have a part to play." (Brenda Almond, Emeritus Professor of Moral and Social Philosophy, University of Hull, UK) "A thoughtful and rich exploration of the philosophical issues and questions surrounding ageing. Those who think that aging is purely a topic for the biomedical sciences will find themselves mistaken. The book offers a rich vein of conceptual and philosophical reflection, worthy of sustained attention." (Havi Carel, Professor of Philosophy, University of Bristol, UK)

This comprehensive handbook presents the major philosophical perspectives on the nature, prospects, problems and social context of age and aging in an era of dramatically increasing life-expectancy. Drawing on the latest research in gerontology, medicine and the social sciences, its twenty-seven chapters examine our intuitions and common sense beliefs about the meaning of aging and explore topics such as the existential experience of old age, aging in different philosophical and religious traditions, the place of the elderly in contemporary society and the moral rights and responsibilities of the old. This book provides innovative and leading-edge research that will help to determine the parameters of the philosophy of aging for years to come.

 

Key Features

•       Structured in four parts addressing the meaning, experience, ethics and future of aging

•       Comprehensive ethical coverage including of the retirement age, health-care for the elderly and the transhumanist life-extending project
•       Focused treatment of the dementia ‘epidemic’ and the philosophy of the mind and self

 

The Palgrave Handbook of the Philosophy of Aging is an essential resource for scholars, researchers and advanced students in the philosophy of the self, moral and political philosophy, bioethics, phenomenology, narrative studies and philosophy of economics. It is also an ideal volume for researchers, advanced students and professionals in gerontology, health care, psychology, sociology and population studies.