Moral Problem of Suicide and its Relation to Human Freedom

• Author: Liliana Lacramioara Pavel
• Position: Danubius University, Faculty of Law
• Pages: 50-54

European Integration - Realities and Perspectives

2010

50

Moral Problem of Suicide and its Relation to Human Freedom

Pavel Liliana Lăcrămioara

Danubius University, Faculty of Law, lilianapavel@univ-danubius.ro

Abstract: The thesi s treats the problem of suicide by putting it in relation to the individual freedom of

human. I will concentra te on j ust a f ew problems w hich target to attempt to offer an answer to the theme

above mentioned. To achieve the purpose I use different opinions and theories regardi ng theme in question

which demonstrates that the theme has been tr eated thoroughly and also by prominent authors like G. Minois,

E. Cioran, A. Schopenhauer or Paul-Ludwig Landsberg. We were as king ourselves whether suicide is a moral

problem. How about a solution to escape from the existential anguish? People have never understood

completely the acts of suicide showing almost constantly contempt, fear, pity or indifference to these.

Keywords: suicide; morality; Christianity

1. Introduction

Throughout the centuries, suicidal acts have shocked either through the violence with which they have

been committed or through their causes sometimes absurd that had determined them.

The problem that interests me in this case is whether the acts of suicidal committed because of

different reasons are condemnable and why.

• If they are convicted, means that are not consistent with a morality that is not the moral.

Intolerance they can sometimes have developed a purely rational justification (eg Kant), sometimes a

religious justification or in other cases it is based on simple human feelings to react against such acts.

• If there are no acts of suicide censurable, means they are recognized as expressions of individual

freedom to decide each for themselves and act according to their desires in what concerns you. If we

accept that each individual is free to do what he wants as long as its actions do not directly affect

others suicide should no longer be tried and condemned in any way the freedom of expression because

it is concerned. (Mill, 2001, p. 17)

A number of existentialist thinkers such as E. Cioran saw the suicide act as only chance to escape the

anguish of life more hated we are all caught and we can only issue the passage into nonexistence.

"Life is but a long series of disappointments and suffering and those who try to find a good side and

do nothing but to continually lie"

Existentialists start from this premise in their attempt to justify "last resort".

For example Cioran wrote: "Signs of life: cruelty, fanaticism, intolerance, signs of decadence:

kindness, understanding, indulgence...." (Cioran, 1992, p. 230)