This subject is presented very well, and is very informative. The first episode can be skipped because it mostly contains the syllabus for the course itself. One recommendation for listeners, if you want to get the full value of this course, read or listen to the works being discussed in the course. While Professor Kagan covers them in some of the sections, there is further depth to the readings themselves that cannot be covered in the limited time during classes.

Extensive and thorough discussion of death, including rational suicide. Presented in a manner that even the layperson appreciate.

it is really great change my view of my life so far keep watching

This course was very captivating and eye opening. I think of life and death in an entirely new light now. Kagen is very enthusiastic and does an excellent job considering many different angles of the same situation and explaining each one of them step by step.

This is the best iTunes U series I have listened to. The lectures connect the aspects of death to the classic philosophical questions (existence of God, mind-body dualism, free will) in a manner which is both accessible and challenging. The audio quality is superior, so that the listener can focus on the concepts rather than straining to hear. Dr. Kagan's style is not exactly Socratic - he systematically reduces questions to their relevant parts, argues for his conclusion, and moves on. This bias can be occasionally off-putting, but those who disagree will find themselves better able to consider their positions.

I've listened to several lecture courses as a fan as opposed to a student and so far I believe this is one of the best only I've heard so far. The audio is great (even compared to the other Open Yale Courses, which are usually better than most). Prof. Kagan has great delivery in my opinion. I would have never guessed a pragmatic discussion on death could be so facinating.

Stop whatever you are doing and take this Open Course NOW! This class will challenge (and change) your whole perspective on death AND life! GET IT NOW!!!!

After listening to this series, I find myself more open minded about death. Kagan goes into the nature of death clearly and coherently describing what it means to die. After first describing the process and nature of death, he goes into its consequences. Often witty, he gives reasonable examples and strong analogies. He, ironically, also defines the value of life and the course has life affirming qualities. The first part of the series attempts to establish the theory that there is no soul. After that he goes into what it means to die and what it means to be alive on the basis that there is no soul. Very good overall, would reccommend the entire series, with the small caveat that the last few lectures on suicide are a bit dull (Could have been covered in one lecture). Enjoyed the series greatly.

I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and I have to say, that this course was up there with the best I have heard. Beats some good juicy novels. I read all the readings he had posted in the iPad course (syllabus) and got so much more out of his lectures. So go to your college library, or buy the used books ( going up in price ... many listening to this course) and learn what you didn't learn when you went to college at 18.

Very clear and engaging lectures on the nature of existence and death. Worth every minute.

I rate these lectures 4 stars with some caveats. First the energy and clarity of the presentation are superb. The first half of the course was outstanding. The main focus was does there exist a soul within a person. Dr. Kagen examines the issue from all sides including what previous philosophers such as Plato thought. The second half of the course was only mediocre. After assuming the materialistic/naturalistic starting point, the search for the value of human life was muddled. Dr. Kagen frequently used phrases such as “it seems to me that …”, “that doesn’t seem right” and “it appears to me”. There didn’t seem to be any foundation of objective human values. He doesn’t address the relativistic approach. Maybe "it seems to me" is relative. It appears that the materialistic worldview can never lead to objective values.

I'd rather listen to this than talk to people while I drive

Have just started reading Ernest Becker, and this was a great "companion" lecture to listen to in light of Becker's theories. Dr. Kagan is an energetic and dynamic speaker who keeps your attention, even in an audio lecture. I am very glad I found this series, and I enjoyed each lecture immensely.

Only just getting into it, but very clear and exceptionally interesting.