What is the concept of 'thanatology' in the context of death studies?

Thanatology is primarily understood as the scientific study of death and the associated processes surrounding it. This field encompasses a variety of aspects related to death, including its biological, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions. Thanatology involves an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as psychology, sociology, medicine, and anthropology, to explore how death is perceived, experienced, and managed in different cultures and contexts.

The importance of this definition lies in its emphasis on a comprehensive understanding of death beyond mere event processing. Thanatology examines the multitude of experiences and rituals surrounding death, addresses issues like grief, bereavement, and the dying process, and looks at how different societies conceptualize mortality. Thus, the term accurately captures the breadth of studies that seek to understand the many facets of death rather than limiting it to any singular perspective or practice.