thanatism

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  1. The view that death means not only an arrest of all physiological functions, but also the definite disappearance, cessation, or destruction of the human mind or soul. Thanatism is opposed by Haeckel to athanatism, the belief in man' s personal immortality. Primary thanatism is the original absence of the dogma of immortality in certain primitive uncivilized races; secondary thanatism is the later outcome of a rational knowledge of nature in the civilized intelligence. Haeckel (trans.), Riddle of the Universe, p. 192.

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  1. Greek θάνατος, death, + -ism.
 

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