Being-towards-grief: rethinking death awareness. (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sköld, Alfred Bordado
• Is Part Of: Mortality. Volume 26:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 284
• Page End: 298
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Being-towards-grief -- death awareness -- grief -- otherness -- death; Thanatology -- Periodicals; Mortality -- Periodicals; Bereavement -- Periodicals; Undertakers and undertaking -- Periodicals; 304.64
• DOI: 10.1080/13576275.2020.1779203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-6275

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this article I develop the notion of Being-towards-grief as a way of conceptualising the blurred intersection between relationality and finitude. In contrast to an existential philosophical and psychological tradition that has privileged one's own death in a rationalised fashion, I argue that we become aware of death through the relentless possibility of the other dying and the uncertainty and distress that this implies. Furthermore, I suggest that this encounter is paramount to an inherently ethical process of subjectification. I become who I am through an encounter with the possibility of the death of the other and the responsibility that this implies. Instead of a resolute and future-oriented life affirmation, the death awareness that Being-towards-grief entails, points to an acceptance of and humbleness with regard to human limitations, and gratitude for a common past.