Storytelling and Death

Abstract

This thesis is an investigation of the epistemological and ethical reasons why philosophers might consider writing stories to communicate their ideas rather than nonfiction. It considers the consequences of empathizing with fictional characters, as well as the ways in which stories better capture reality than essays. The thesis also looks at the therapeutic power of storytelling. Does fiction offer deeper insights about death that cannot be taught through argumentative essays? Is the form of storytelling better at talking about death? These are the questions that ultimately sparked this thesis.