The Fear of Non-Existence: A Philosophical Struggle with Death
(016) Phil Phails @ philosophy with Grant Potts
excerpt from • (016) Phil Phails @ Philosophy Book Club w...
Book: Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western Approaches
Question: DOES REALITY HAVE A GROUND? Madhyamaka and Nonfoundationalism
In the thought-provoking third episode of Phil Phails' Philosophy Book Club, we grapple with the fear of mortality and the search for meaning in the face of the inevitable. Join Phil and a renowned philosophy professor as they dissect the third chapter of "Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western Approaches," focusing on "DOES REALITY HAVE A GROUND? Madhyamaka and Nonfoundationalism."
Phil confronts his own mortality, sharing his personal battle with the concept of death and the desire to remain a part of his loved ones' lives. The discussion takes us through the Buddhist notion of liberation from the cycle of life and death, and the Western struggle to find comfort in the face of our finite existence. Is our fear of death simply a mental construct to ease the pain of our impermanence? Can we find solace in philosophical theories, or should we focus on living fully in the present?
This episode is not just a philosophical inquiry but a deeply personal journey into the heart of what it means to be human. Whether you're seeking answers or just curious about different perspectives on life and death, this conversation will resonate with you.
Subscribe to Phil Phails for more philosophical explorations, and don't forget to hit the like button and share your thoughts in the comments below. How do you cope with the idea of death? Let's discuss.
About Grant Potts
Grant Potts is a distinguished faculty member at Austin Community College, specializing in Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities. Trained primarily as a scholar of religion, Grant is also a dedicated philosopher and curriculum developer, committed to promoting liberal education through the Great Question Foundation to benefit community college students of all disciplines. Outside the academic sphere, he is a passionate gardener, an enthusiastic hiker and cyclist, and an ardent tabletop roleplaying game enthusiast, delighting in adventures with friends and family in classics like Dungeons and Dragons as well as newer games like Coriolis and Forbidden Lands.
About Phillip Jones
👨👧👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path Seeker
After a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟
Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. #PhilPhails 🎬
The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.
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