u003cpu003eThis collection of essays examines alternative theories about persons and personal identity at the beginning and end of life. The contributions seek to answer the important question, When does a person begin and cease to exist? u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eWhile the concept of personhood has figured prominently in contemporary debates over abortion and stem cell research, this is the first anthology to combine in a single volume both various theoretical perspectives and consideration of the more practical, bioethical issues. These essays are gathered from a rich tradition of philosophical and religious readings on the subject, from René Descartess u003ciu003eMeditations on First Philosophyu003c/iu003e and John Lockes u003ciu003eEssay concerning Human Understandingu003c/iu003e to more modern discussions on persons living with dementia and on the definition of death. u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eOrganized chronologically, these works address three broad topics: theories of persons, persons at the beginning of life, and persons at the end of life. The first section offers differing views on the nature of persons that have influenced ontological and bioethical discussions of the subject. Essays in the next section track the debate over abortion and the moral status of embryos. The last section explores alternative definitions and determinations of death. u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eu003ciu003eDefining the Beginning and End of Lifeu003c/iu003e is a useful resource for examining the connection between theoretical and bioethical considerations about persons. It will engage bioethicists and philosophers as well as inform policy and law regarding issues at the beginning and end of life.u003c/pu003e
