The Morality and Rationality of Suicide (IN: Moral Problems: a Collection of Philosophical Essays, 2nd Edition, ed. by J Rachels)

This article discusses if & when suicide is rational, moral or immoral. The author believes suicide may be rational – for example, for the terminally ill – but he also points out that few of the terminally ill commit suicide. He asserts that many suicides which seem rational on the surface – e.g., as reactions to a loss of status or wealth – are shortsighted. He asserts certain suicide victims, like those who support families, should not have killed themselves, but are not immoral. (VM)