OUR ULTIMATE FATE

What is death?
Death is the end of all biological
functions that sustain a living organism

In medical terms, the death of a human

being is associated with “brain death” or
the ceasing of all brain functions.

The causes of death include aging,

disease, and fatal injury.
Death as a natural occurrence
Aging or senescence – it is the process
in which human person advances in
age, the certainty of death is seen in
the gradual decline of the human body.

Senescence include the decline of the

senses such as sight and hearing.

gradual loss of vitality and mobility,

mental decline, and increased frailty
and susceptibility to injury or disease.
Other disciplines on
the idea of death

In psychology– the experience of death

is often associated with negative
emotions such as grief, anxiety,
anger, and fear.

The death of a loved one is a powerful

emotional experience that often leads
to stress and depression.
Other disciplines on
the idea of death

In psychology– emotional support is

required for persons to overcome it.

Death can also be an opportunity for

people to recall and memorialize the
life and achievements of a loved one.
Other disciplines on
the idea of death

In sociology– beliefs regarding death is

often reflected in traditions, funerary
practices, and religion.

Death often include in the persistence of

the human soul or spirit, and the
existence of an afterlife where the souls of
the dead reside.
Other disciplines on
the idea of death

In sociology– other beliefs in

reincarnation.

Reincarnation- the belief that a

person’s spirit begins a new life in
another body.

Eternal oblivion- the belief that the

person’s consciousness is
completely erased upon death.
Other disciplines on the idea of death
In sociology– communities and societies
also assign a great significance to
death.

Celebrations and commemorations

across such as All Souls Day, Chinese
Ghost Festival, and the Mexican
Day of the Dead.

In Philippine society, death is considered

an experience that involves not only the
family but also the community.
How does prospect of death give significance to our
lives?

A major question that philosophers

consider when discussing death is what
happens to the person when he dies.

Dualist perspective- believes that mind

or spirit, being incorporeal, persists
after the body’s demise.

The complete annihilation of the body,

therefore, does not mean that the
person no longer exists because his
spirit endures after death.
How does prospect of death give significance to our
lives?

Afterlife give rise to the thinking that

spirit of the dead survives and
continues to persist.

Various religions and cultures

believe in different forms of
an afterlife.
How does prospect of death give significance to our
lives?

Near death experience a

controversial topic where the person
experiences an “out-of-body
experience”.

Out-of-body experience- the person

views his or her body or the events
surrounding his or her apparent
death from a distance .
Philosophers have advocated
acceptance as a means to address
feelings of dread and anxiety
regarding death

Martin Heidegger – he believes that

man is being oriented towards death.

Death is considered as the fulfillment of

existence, and the acceptance of one’s
mortality can bring about a sense of
freedom in a person.
 Ludwig Wittgenstein – he believes that
death is a phenomenon that is outside of
human experience.

In essence, we do not live to

experience death.

A person cannot achieve immortality

but he/she can achieve a certain
degree of timelessness if he/she learns
to “live in the present”.
Karl Jaspers– he considers death as a
significant limit situation.

Human should have the capacity to

alter his perspectives and ideas to be
able to live with the fact that he or she
is destined to die.

The acceptance of death will lead a

person to live an authentic life and will
give rise to positive values and
emotions.
How should one face death and loss?

Grief –is the natural reaction to death

and dying.

The experience of grief often involves a

multitude of emotions such as sadness,
anxiety, anger, and guilt.

Grief may also be brought about by

other forms of loss- loss of a home,
belongings, or employment; and other
traumatic experiences.
How should one face death and loss?

Bereavement –the state of loss brought

about by death.

Mourning –the expression of deep

sorrow for someone who has dies.

Mourning involves various practices,

traditions, and observances that vary
from culture to culture.
Five stages of grief by Elisabeth Kubler-
Ross

Denial –the dying person initially

expresses disbelief regarding his
or her situation.

Anger –the person expresses

frustration with his or her situation.
Five stages of grief by Elisabeth Kubler-
Ross

Bargaining –the dying person often

voices his or her wish that his or her life
be prolonged, and that he or she is
willing to do whatever it
takes to survive.

Dying person will improve if he/she

behave in a certain way or make
changes in their lives.
Five stages of grief by Elisabeth Kubler-
Ross

Depression –the dying person

experiences intense sadness and
exhibits disinterest in life and its
normal routines.

Acceptance –last emotional stage of

grief when person finally comes to
terms with his/her impending death and
has embraced his/her mortality.
Four trajectories of grief by George
Bonnano

Resilience – the person remains

emotionally stable despite the loss, and
continues with his or her
normal activities.

Recovery – the person experiences a

period of grief, but eventually gives way
to recovery and a return to normalcy.
Four trajectories of grief by George
Bonnano

Chronic Depression – the grieving

person experiences intense and
chronic depression which continues
long after the death or traumatic
experience has passed.

Delayed Grief – the person may seem

to be well-adjusted but experiences
feelings of grief, anxiety, and distress
at a later time.
 Death and grieving are difficult
transitions in life but with adequate
support and the proper perspective, one
can face this important aspect of human
existence with acceptance, calm, and
dignity. The realization of the
significance of death in our lives can
give way to a new resolve to strive to
achieve meaning and relevance
in our lives.