The Obsolete Self

The Obsolete Self: Philosophical Dimensions of Aging explores the complex interplay between aging and identity, offering a profound critique of the traditional perceptions of aging as mere physical decline or social obsolescence. By delving into the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging, this book challenges the view that growing older inevitably leads to the disintegration of the self. Instead, it argues for a reframing of aging as an integral and meaningful phase of human life, rich with its own potential for growth and insight.

Authoritative yet accessible, this work investigates the underlying philosophical assumptions about aging that influence individual and societal attitudes. It examines how aging intersects with notions of personal identity, moral agency, and societal value, proposing that our cultural and social frameworks need to evolve to embrace the dignity and worth of all life stages. With an engaging blend of metaphysical inquiry and practical reflections, The Obsolete Self calls for a shift in both individual perspectives and societal structures to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of aging as an essential part of the human experience.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1987.