Skip to main content
Article
The one truly serious philosophical problem: ethical aspects of suicide
International Review of Psychiatry
  • Murad M Khan, Aga Khan University
  • Ayesha I Mian, Aga Khan University
Publication Date
7-1-2010
Document Type
Article
Disciplines
Abstract

Suicide is a major global public health problem with an estimated one million deaths every year. It is one of the most personal yet one of the most complex acts anyone can perform, as it goes to the very core of the concept of human existence and the meaning of life. The philosophical debate on suicide has spanned centuries with no clear answers. Juxtaposed within the various perspectives that suicide can be studied from is the ethical perspective that brings into sharp focus the conflict between personal autonomy and societal responsibility towards suicidal individuals. Mental health professionals find themselves in the midst of this conflict as they are assumed to have the responsibility to prevent suicide in their Patients, while Patients' responsibility towards themselves is frequently overlooked. Mental health professionals need to be aware of the ethical concerns that arise in the care of suicidal Patients.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Citation Information
Murad M Khan and Ayesha I Mian. "The one truly serious philosophical problem: ethical aspects of suicide" International Review of Psychiatry Vol. 22 Iss. 3 (2010) p. 288 - 93
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ayesha_mian/1/