Assisted Suicide

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the views of the ancient philosopher, Plato, on suicide. The paper shows that his views, when examined in the context of assisted suicide, show his stance to be one of general disapproval, with a few exceptions. The paper examines his general views in "Phaedo," "Laws" and "The Republic" and then discuss the exceptions to his stance.

From the Paper:

"The only assisted suicide Plato would find acceptable based on his beliefs of suicide in general and on his beliefs regarding medical assistance, would be an assisted suicide for the terminally ill and disabled. Again, however, Plato's views on this matter suggest the decision to end the life of such a person would not be in the hands of the ill, but in the views of society in terms of the individual's ability to contribute to moral and social standards. Since the modern view of assisted suicide refers to an individual's choice to end life, such an act would be disapproved of by Plato. Only in cases where society views the individual as a burden, and thus, as an undesirable citizen, would such an assisted suicide be seen as morally acceptable. To assist an individual who is capable of contributing to society, but is simply unwilling to do so, would be morally reprehensible."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carrick, Paul. Medical Ethics in Antiquity: Philosophical Perspectives on Abortion and Euthanasia. Philadelphia: Springer, 1985.
• Copper, Michael. "Greek Philosophers on Euthanasia and Suicide." Suicide and Euthanasia. Ed. B. Brody. Philadelphia: Springer, 1990.
• Plato. "Phaedo." Complete Works. Ed. by John M. Cooper and D. S Hutchinson. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1997.
• Plato. The Laws. New York: Penguin Classics, 1970.
• Plato. The Republic. Ed. G.M.A. Grube. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1992.

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