Argument against suicide

[Lethevich]

Or the OP's name...



Or signature...

Or (before it was hidden) email address. Man, we're regular Sherlock Holmeses

[Don]

I had always thought that a person's life belongs only to him or her and no other person has the right to force their own ideals that life must be lived. Only the individual involved can make such decision and whatever decision he or she does make, should be respected regardless of his or her family or community.

Shouldn't suicide be seen as the most basic right of all ?

If freedom is self-ownership, ownership over one's own life and body, then the right to end that life is the most basic of all, yes ?

You're trying to find justification for an act you're contemplating.  Personally, I don't think you will ever get beyond the contemplation stage.

[Joe_Campbell]

You're trying to find justification for an act you're contemplating.  Personally, I don't think you will ever get beyond the contemplation stage.

I hope he doesn't. His love of music is a testimony that there is at least something worth hanging around for.

[Homo Aestheticus]

I hope he doesn't. His love of music is a testimony that there is at least something worth hanging around for.

That was kind. Thank you.

[Homo Aestheticus]

Almost everyone has one or more family members and one or more friends, acquaintances or colleagues. In commiting suicide, you affect those people and often times deeply and negatively affect them.

True, but is this the only reason that makes it unethical ?

Yes, killing yourself does make a mess. Many acts of courage... some of them acts of folly too make a mess. To a black and white mentality, that may be all there is to be said: "tut-tut, look how you've hurt those who love you most"

But what we need to keep in mind is that very different people in very different circumstances and for very different reasons have throughout history felt impelled to the same act. There is nothing to be ashamed of if all other alternatives have been considered.

And most importantly, what exactly is the value of one human life especially when many more are lost everyday due to circumstances beyond their control ?

[Joe_Campbell]

I don't know how such a decision can be construed as corageous.

[PSmith08]

But what we need to keep in mind is that very different people in very different circumstances and for very different reasons have throughout history felt impelled to the same act. There is nothing to be ashamed of if all other alternatives have been considered.

Yes, but true to form, you've missed one piece of the puzzle. Look at the cultures that have produced the great suicides of history. Then look at the current American culture. Are they the same? No, of course not.

When one makes ridiculous arguments, he needs to be prepared to make the argument well, so as to take a little bit of the edge off of it.