Date of Award

Spring 1936

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Philosophy

Abstract

The problem of immortality has challenged man­ kind from the earliest dawn of civilization.A belief in some sort of immortality has had, with but few exceptions, a universal adherence.Even modern man, having the know­ ledge of multitudinous contributions of preceding generations concerning immortality, continues to ponder over the problem as much as ever. Much discussion has concerned itself with a life beyond death, and the diverse beliefs ensuing indicate that the problem is truly a riddle of immense depth and complexity.It has aroused the thought or both great and small men; it has challenged their way of living, enabling them to live batter lives in fulfilling its requirements.The hope or a future life has brought happy anticipations to many, and in others it has invoked indifferent attitudes.The latter have sought various substitutes for personal survival. On the other hand, many have abandoned a belief in future life because of a naturalistic approach to life. Nevertheless, the problem of immortality has not tired the thinking or man, and it con­tinues to occupy its place among the foremost problems of mankind.

In dealing with Immortality In Recent Philosophies, the following attempt will be made : (l) to show the rise of a belief in future life in Animistic thought, (2) to trace the conception or the soul from Plato to Kant, and thus seek grounds for its immortality, (3)to present the various concepts of immortality 1n recent times.(4) to indicate the purpose of the Society for Psychological Research,and the attempt at an empirical support for immortality. (5) to present a critical review.

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