Deck 32: Suicide Is Sometimes Rational and Morally Defensible

Question 1

Those who oppose suicide on the grounds that life is sacred:

A) Can do so only within a religious framework.
B) Must claim that more life is always better, irrespective of its quality
C) Both (a) and (b)
D) None of the above

Answer 1

None of the above

Question 2

According to David Benatar, suicide is prudentially irrational when:

A) Continued life is in one's overall interests.
B) The person taking his or her own life is depressed.
C) The person taking his or her own life is acting selfishly.
D) Suicide is unnatural.

Answer 2

Continued life is in one's overall interests.

Question 3

David Benatar argues that suicide is cowardly when

A) It is an easy option.
B) It is the easier option.
C) It is the easiest option.
D) None of the above

Answer 3

None of the above

Question 4

A negative right to life is:

A) Compatible with suicide if rights protect interests.
B) Compatible with suicide if rights protect choices.
C) Both (a) and (b)
D) Always incompatible with suicide.

Question 5

David Benatar argues that in deciding whether suicide is morally permissible:

A) The interests of other people are irrelevant.
B) The interests of other people are relevant but not decisive.
C) The interests of other people are relevant and decisive.
D) One's own interests are decisive.

Question 6

Is suicide always either irrational or morally wrong? In answering this question, outline and evaluate the various arguments for an affirmative answer, arguing whether or not any of them succeed.

Question 7

Is death always the worst thing that can happen to somebody, or can continued life sometimes be worse? Why does the answer to this question not settle the question whether suicide is sometimes morally permissible? What further factors need to be considered? What should we conclude about when, if ever, suicide is morally permissible? Justify your answers.