Chapter
Ethics and Suicide (IN: Suicide and Self-Damaging Behavior: a Sociobiological Perspective)
deCatanzaro D
This chapter discusses society’s effects on suicide. The author suggests religion discourages suicide by making it an improper action & by giving an individual a purpose for life. Despite this, suicide still occurs, suggesting that social/ethical teachings are only secondary influences. The ethics of suicide are also discussed. Western society seems to assume that suicide is “negative”; however, there is evidence that some suicide in a community is normal. Evolutionary ethics are also explored.