Suicide

1) Suicide in Ancient Greece:

The concept of suicide in Ancient Greece was a complex and multifaceted one, with a range of attitudes and practices surrounding it. In general, suicide was seen as a last resort and was often associated with shame and cowardice. However, there were also instances where suicide was seen as a noble or even heroic act.

One of the main attitudes towards suicide in Ancient Greece was that it was seen as a shameful or cowardice act. This view was particularly prevalent in the military, where soldiers were expected to fight to the death and any act of suicide was seen as a failure to fulfill this duty. This view was also held by some philosophers, such as Plato, who saw suicide as a sign of cowardice and a lack of self-control.

However, there were also instances where suicide was seen as a noble or even heroic act. This was particularly the case in situations where the individual was faced with a situation that would bring dishonor or shame upon themselves or their family. In these cases, suicide was seen as a way to avoid bringing shame upon oneself or one’s family and was often seen as a courageous or even noble act.

One of the most famous examples of this is the story of Socrates, who was sentenced to death by drinking poison for the crime of corrupting the youth of Athens. Socrates is said to have willingly accepted his sentence and willingly drank the poison, choosing to die rather than bring shame upon himself or his family.

Overall, the concept of suicide in Ancient Greece was a complex and multifaceted one, with a range of attitudes and practices surrounding it. While it was generally seen as a last resort and a shameful act, there were also instances where it was seen as a noble or even heroic act.

2) Stoics on Suicide:

The Stoics were a group of ancient philosophers who lived in the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC to 3rd century AD). They believed in living in accordance with reason and virtue, and their philosophy placed a strong emphasis on personal autonomy and self-control. One of the areas in which the Stoics’ philosophy has had a significant impact is in their views on suicide.

According to the Stoics, suicide was not necessarily viewed as a moral or immoral act, but rather as a decision that was up to the individual. They believed that an individual had the right to determine their own life and death, and that suicide could be a rational choice if it was done for the right reasons.

One of the main reasons that the Stoics believed that suicide could be a rational choice was because they saw it as a way to escape suffering. They believed that suffering was an inherent part of life and that the only way to truly escape it was to end one’s own life. They argued that suicide could be a noble and courageous act if it was done in order to escape unbearable suffering or to protect one’s own dignity.

However, the Stoics also believed that suicide could be a rash and irrational decision if it was done out of anger, despair, or other negative emotions. They argued that suicide should only be considered as a last resort and that individuals should try to find other ways to cope with their suffering before turning to suicide.

Overall, the Stoics’ views on suicide were complex and nuanced. They believed that individuals had the right to determine their own lives and deaths, but that suicide should only be considered as a last resort and should be done for the right reasons. Their views on suicide have had a lasting impact and continue to be studied and debated by scholars today.

3) Suicide in Ancient India:

The concept of suicide has a long and complex history in Ancient India, with references to the practice appearing in both religious texts and secular literature. In general, suicide was seen as a taboo and was discouraged in most ancient Indian cultures. However, there were some exceptions to this rule, and in certain circumstances, suicide was seen as an acceptable or even admirable act.

In Hinduism, one of the dominant religions in Ancient India, suicide was generally seen as a negative act. The Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and the Upanishads, contain several references to suicide, and in general, they view the practice as a violation of the natural order of things. According to Hindu belief, the individual soul (atman) is eternal and cannot be destroyed, so taking one’s own life is seen as a futile act.

Despite this, there were some exceptions to the prohibition on suicide in Hinduism. For example, the practice of sati, in which a widow would willingly immolate herself on her husband’s funeral pyre, was seen as a highly admirable act in some Hindu communities. The act of sati was seen as a way for the widow to demonstrate her devotion to her husband and her willingness to follow him into the afterlife.

In Jainism, another major religion in Ancient India, suicide was also generally discouraged. The Jain scriptures view suicide as a form of violence against the self, and Jain tradition holds that it is a violation of the principle of non-violence (ahimsa). However, like Hinduism, there were some exceptions to this rule. For example, the practice of santhara, in which an individual willingly undergoes a process of fasting to the point of death, was seen as an acceptable form of suicide in some Jain communities.

In Ancient India, suicide was also discussed in secular literature, such as in the epics of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. In these texts, suicide is generally portrayed as a negative act, but there are some exceptions. For example, the character of Satyavan in the Mahabharata willingly chooses to die in order to save his wife, Savitri, and this act is seen as highly admirable.

Overall, the concept of suicide in Ancient India was complex and multifaceted. While it was generally discouraged, there were some exceptions to this rule, and in certain circumstances, suicide was seen as an acceptable or even admirable act.

4) Early Christians on Suicide:

The concept of suicide has been a topic of much debate and controversy among early Christians. In general, the early Christian view on suicide was that it was a grave sin that was strongly condemned. This view was based on several factors, including the belief in the sanctity of human life, the belief in the importance of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and the belief that suicide was a rejection of God’s will.

One of the main arguments against suicide in early Christian thought was the belief in the sanctity of human life. According to this view, human life is a gift from God and it is therefore wrong to take one’s own life. This belief is rooted in the commandment “You shall not kill” and the belief that all human life is sacred and created in the image of God.

Another argument against suicide in early Christian thought was the belief in the importance of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. According to this view, the body is not just a physical vessel but also a spiritual one, and it is therefore wrong to defile or destroy it. This belief is rooted in passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which states “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

A third argument against suicide in early Christian thought was the belief that it was a rejection of God’s will. According to this view, suicide is a sin because it involves taking control of one’s own life and disregarding God’s plan. This belief is rooted in passages such as Psalm 139:16, which states “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Overall, the early Christian view on suicide was that it was a grave sin that was strongly condemned. While this view has evolved over time, it remains a controversial topic in many Christian communities today.

5) Muslims on Suicide:

In Islam, the concept of suicide is generally seen as a major sin and is strictly forbidden. This view is based on the belief that life is a gift from God and that it is not for humans to take their own lives. In the Quran, God says, “Do not kill yourselves, for surely God is merciful to you” (4:29).

The prohibition on suicide is further reinforced by the belief that only God has the right to take a person’s life. According to Islamic tradition, life is sacred and it is not for humans to end it prematurely. Taking one’s own life is seen as a form of rebellion against God and a rejection of the gift of life.

In addition to being seen as a sin, suicide is also considered a grave tragedy in Islam. The loss of a human life is always considered a great loss and the suicide of a loved one is particularly devastating. Muslims are encouraged to offer support and help to those who may be considering suicide and to do everything they can to prevent it from happening.

Despite the strong prohibition on suicide in Islam, there are some circumstances in which suicide may be seen as a permissible or even praiseworthy act. For example, in cases of extreme suffering or oppression, suicide may be seen as a way to escape unbearable circumstances. However, even in these cases, suicide is generally not seen as a desirable or advisable course of action and Muslims are encouraged to seek other solutions to their problems.

Overall, the concept of suicide in Islam is one of strict prohibition and is seen as a major sin. Muslims are encouraged to respect the sanctity of life and to seek help and support when faced with difficulties rather than turning to suicide as a solution.

6) Existentialism and Suicide:

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life. It holds that individuals must create their own meaning in life, as there is no inherent meaning or purpose to existence.

The concept of suicide is closely related to existentialism, as it involves an individual’s choice to end their own life. In an existentialist framework, suicide can be seen as a way for an individual to take control of their own life and death, and to assert their own agency and freedom.

However, the relationship between existentialism and suicide is complex and nuanced. While some existentialists may view suicide as a legitimate option in certain circumstances, others may see it as a rejection of the individual’s responsibility to create meaning in their own life.

One of the main proponents of existentialism, Jean-Paul Sartre, believed that suicide was a legitimate choice for individuals who found their lives to be unbearable or meaningless. He argued that individuals have complete freedom and responsibility for their own lives, and that suicide is a valid way for them to assert this freedom and to escape from suffering.

On the other hand, other existentialists, such as Martin Heidegger, saw suicide as a rejection of an individual’s responsibility to create meaning in their own life. He argued that individuals have a duty to confront and accept their own mortality, and that suicide is a denial of this responsibility.Overall, the concept of suicide is closely tied to the ideas of freedom and individual responsibility that are central to existentialism. While some existentialists may view suicide as a legitimate option in certain circumstances, others see it as a rejection of an individual’s responsibility to create meaning in their own life.