mortalists

Mortalists is a term used to describe individuals who study or engage with themes related to death, mortality, and the human experience of dying. The concept draws from various philosophical, literary, and cultural traditions that explore the inevitability of death and its implications for life. Unlike morticians, who focus on the practical aspects of death and burial, mortalists often approach the subject from artistic, existential, or introspective perspectives.

The term gained prominence through the work of American writer and philosopher David Shields, who introduced it in his 2010 essay collection *Mortalists: On Death and Life*. Shields and other mortalists examine how death shapes human behavior, creativity, and relationships. Their work often includes reflections on grief, the passage of time, and the ways in which society both acknowledges and avoids confronting mortality.

Mortalist thought intersects with fields such as philosophy, literature, and psychology. Philosophers like Albert Camus and Simone de Beauvoir have explored existential themes of mortality, while writers such as Joan Didion and John Updike have incorporated death into their narratives. The movement also connects to broader cultural discussions about aging, loss, and the meaning of life.

Critics of the term argue that it may romanticize death or lack a clear methodological foundation, while supporters view it as a necessary framework for understanding human vulnerability. Mortalist perspectives continue to influence contemporary conversations about ethics, art, and personal reflection on finitude.