Intersubjectivity and the `Revival of Death': Toward a Critique of Sovereign Individualism

Abstract

The aim of the essay is to provide an introductory analysis of the potentially negative effects of religious or spiritual narratives invoked or encouraged when death is near. Drawing on the work of Jürgen Habermas and Jessica Benjamin, I argue that the encouragement of the unchecked expression of feelings coupled with the view that all individuals are sacred and have a sacred story promotes a potentially inhibited and inhibiting thanatological discourse. Instead of encouraging the inclusion of “spirituality” as a preferential discourse for dealing with death, dying, and bereavement, it is argued here that such encouragement may inadvertently have a disabling effect for those immediately involved in the process of dying (family and professional health care workers) and, at the same time, contribute to a social mystification or spiritualized understanding of death.

Keywords

Jessica Benjamin Jürgen Habermas Tony Walter revival of death thanatology postmetaphysical thinking.

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