Shelly Kagan says that the unpleasantness and difficulty of death is dependent on many factors. The perception of death’s inevitableness is just one factor. Kagan believes that variety is a factor in the experiences we have near death. The unpredictability and possibility of death are all topics that Kagan extensively explores in his book. The unpredictability and uncertainty of death mean that we might not be able to know when we will die. It is impossible to predict the exact moment or cause of death. Uncertainty can alter how we perceive death, increasing its unease. People are not able to predict the future and devise strategies for achieving their goals. It is impossible to plan well for your future as you never know what day it will be. One student could plan for their future and invest their money, time and quality of living in education. However, they might not live to see the fruits of their labors. However, they may outlive their ambitions or experience a grueling existence that doesn’t allow them to achieve their full potential.
Kagan suggests that you start with nothing, and then acquire your possessions over the course of your life. This is called the Alger Horatio. It involves moving from poverty to wealth. Everybody wants a life where their happiness increases over time. This is despite the fact all of our lives are full of bad and good times. Both the good and bad parts of life are different. This is due to the difference in the quality and value they bring. They may seem similar but most of us prefer the good to bad. It is easier to feel better about the past than the present, and it is more rewarding to strive for the positive instead of focusing on the bad. Unpredictability in death can pose problems. Fear of death is worsened by the inability to plan one’s own life or attain ‘wealth.’
Dworkin, however, advocates for the concept of experiential interests. These interests are ones we love doing, because it gives us pleasure, but also important interests that will determine whether or not we succeed in our lives. Experience interests allow us to gain a deep understanding of what our passions are and how they shape our lives. Dworkin believes that human choices determine how life is organized. Dworkin’s reasoning suggests that the concept creates beliefs that don’t define life. Instead, they give life meaning. Kagan and Dworkin are against hedonism. This argument is built on the belief that happiness can be found in our life experiences. However, Kagan presents a more holistic view of why people live. It is not based on how we do things, but on what they achieve and who they become.
Kagan believes that death is not desirable because it takes us away from the possibility to experience positive emotions.
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