Perspective Chapter: Last Questions – How Philosophical Practice Contributes to Developing Death Literacy

Abstract

Dealing with existential questions is a constitutive part of palliative care. Interestingly, if we admit that borderline situations at the end-of life give rise to philosophical questions, in the contexts of practice, these questions are perceived (nearly) without any reference to explicit philosophical traditions or to Philosophical Practice. Philosophical Practice is a modern movement for a non-elitist philosophy. It aims to enable people—in the Socratic tradition—to reflect on their experiences in a philosophical way in everyday life. In the recently launched research project Philosophical Practice in Palliative Care and Hospice Work, we are investigating the opportunities and limits of Philosophical Practice for the development of death literacy. Building on previous theoretical work, we analyse, discuss, and illustrate concrete models of Philosophical Practice in this chapter. Our conclusions refer to practical indications for relating Philosophical Practice productively to relevant contexts of death literacy development, such as caring communities, Last Aid courses, and everyday ethics.