GNOSI: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Human Theory and Praxis

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

Charles BEREBON — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

The Moral and Legal Status of the Dead: A Philosophical Inquiry into Personhood, Dignity, and Posthumous Rights

Samuel Akpan BASSEY, Joseph Nkang OGAR — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the concept of personhood and the right to dignity in relation to the dead, situating itself within the field of Philosophical Thanatology—the study of death and dying from a philosophical perspective. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks, including legal, anthropological, psychological, and African philosophical traditions, the paper examines the tripartite relationship between death, personhood, and the body. It investigates whether the dead can be accorded rights, particularly the right to dignity, and interrogates the philosophical and legal tensions surrounding this question. The methodology involves a critical analysis of case studies, legal precedents, and philosophical theories, juxtaposing Western dualistic frameworks with African communal conceptions of personhood. Key cases, such as necrophilia trials in the United States and rulings by the Allahabad High Court in India, are examined to highlight the legal and ethical challenges of defining personhood post-mortem. The paper also incorporates African philosophical traditions, particularly the concept of Ubuntu, to offer a relational and holistic understanding of personhood that extends beyond physical death. The findings reveal that the concept of personhood is not static but varies across cultural and legal contexts. While Western legal systems often struggle to reconcile the rights of the dead with rational frameworks, African philosophies emphasize the continuity of personhood through communal and ancestral connections. The paper argues that the dignity of the dead is not solely contingent on the concept of personhood but is also rooted in cultural, emotional, and moral considerations.

The Personhood of the Dead: Morality, Memory, and Posthumous Dignity

Ebikisei Stanley UDISI — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The research highlights the central role of memory in shaping societal attitudes toward the deceased, drawing on philosophical, legal, and sociological perspectives to analyze how collective memory transcends individual existence. It argues that while the dead lack conscious existence and cannot experience harm or dignity, their memory and legacy impose moral and ethical obligations on the living. The injunction De mortuis nil nisi bonum (“Speak no ill of the dead”) reflects the societal desire to preserve the dignity and reputation of the deceased, even as it raises questions about censorship, freedom of expression, and the accurate representation of history. Ultimately, this study concludes that the concept of posthumous rights is less about the dead themselves and more about how the living choose to honor, remember, and engage with the past. It calls for a nuanced balance between respecting the dignity of the dead and upholding the freedoms of the living, offering fresh insights into the evolving relationship between memory, morality, and law. By addressing these timeless questions, the research contributes to ongoing debates about personhood, rights, and the ethical responsibilities that transcend the boundaries of life and death.