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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 7 page report discusses Bernard Williams' 1972 essay regarding the
idea that immortality is not a desired state of being. "The Makropulos Case" is included
in Williams' essay title because it is the name of a play about 16th century woman named
Elina Makropulos whose father gives her an "elixir of life." She reaches the age of 342
but her life has been reduced to a state of: "... boredom, indifference, and coldness.
Everything is joyless." The report supports Williams' argument. Bibliography lists only
the primary source.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_BWimmort.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
lecture and that he wants to present a different focus than that of many of his fellow philosopher colleagues. The issue he wants to address is not the more "typical"
question of whether or not humans possess an immortal soul but why death is an essential part of life and that it is actually possible to take comfort in the
fact that a person is not immortal. However, he also makes it clear that he does not subscribe to the existentialist point of view that death (or the fear of
death) is what provides meaning for life. He then sets out to make the argument that: "... immortality would be, where conceivable at all, intolerable" (pp. 73). The Basis of
Williams Argument As he outlines his argument, Williams establishes the logic of what he has to say in ways that are both thought-provoking and convincing. It seems logical for a
person reading or hearing Williams to agree with his assertion that immortality would prove itself to be "intolerable." But it is worth noting that as the student analyzes Williams argument
it is more than likely that he or she will find themself agreeing or disagreeing with his statements on a very fundamental, almost visceral, level. Whether or not the student
agrees or not will generally be based on a personal belief system, ideology, religion, or even the attitudes of the culture into which they were born. Those considerations should be
reflect in the students own report. The fact that Williams mentions that there are those who believe that death is evil or something to be feared can serve as a
starting point for the student in considering their personal point of view. "The Makropulos Case" is included in Williams essay title because it is the name of a play
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