KANTIAN CRITIQUE OF THE PHENOMENON OF SUICIDE

Abstract

Suicide as a phenomenon has been realized at the apex in the list of causes of death in our society, its effect is becoming more intense on daily bases and the outcome of a suicidal act to the general public has been observed as a notable problem in the contemporary society. Philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, religious leaders and authorities in different fields have given much attention to the study of the phenomenon of suicide. It is on this background that this work analyses the arguments of the pro-choice and pro- life on the issue of suicide with the view to refute the permissibility of suicidal acts in the society in which the pro-choice argues for. In reference to the aforementioned grounds, this work makes use of Immanuel Kant’s argument against suicide, examines His stands on the notion of permissibility and impermissibility of suicide, and thus establish the fact that his conception of rationality and moral identity is seen at the apex of His thought. Lastly, this work moves ahead to reconstructing Kant’s idea due to the flaws embedded in it and as result, it terms depression as the major cause of suicide and proffers some notable controlling measures to overcoming it.   

Key Words: Immanuel Kant, Critique, Suicide, Phenomenon, Pro-life, Pro-Choice, Permissibility, Impermissibility, Rationality, Moral Identity, Depression.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction  1

References  6

CHAPTER ONE: A PHILOSOPHICAL OVERVIEW OF SUICIDE        Introduction       7 

Conceptual Clarification of Suicide       7 

Examiningthe Problem of Suicide     10

Types of Suicide14

Causes of Suicide 16

Philosophers View of Suicide17

Summary24

References26

CHAPTER TWO: IMMANUEL KANT ON THE PHENOMENON OF SUICIDE

Introduction29                Biography of Immanuel Kant29

Kants Notion of Categorical Imperative31

Kants View on Suicide 37

Kants Notion on Rationality, Honor and Dignity43

Summary 47

References48

CHAPTER THREE: KANTIAN CRITIQUE OF THE PHENOMENON OF S UICIDE

Introduction50

Kantian Examination of Suicide in Euthanasia50

A Critique of Kantians View of Suicide56

Summary     67

References68

CONCLUSION  70

BIBLIOGRAPHY