Alright so I have an essay to write for my midterm, and it's about a burn victim who was in an explosion. His father was killed in the blast and the victim received severe burns on 2/3 of his body, the tips of his fingers had to be amputated, he's blind (although the doctors say he should recover in one eye), and he should still be able to walk. The guy, I think his name is James or something, says he wants to die because he was intimately involved in outdoor activities, i.e sports and shizz, and so it is his wish to go home and die in peace. He is not incoherent and is rational, he is in no way unaware of what he is saying/thinking.
Anyways I have to write about whether he should be allowed to commit suicide (giving an extended definition of suicide, any ideas?) and why or why not. Also have to give an extended definition of rational.
What you guys think?
trademark91 Wrote:i think that suicide is the ultimate personal choice. if he wants to, he should be able to.
heres a link i found on the subject.
http://www.suicidemethods.net/links/listlink.htm
Thanks, I'll use that site for reference. I'll start the essay tomorrow.
or that form maybe euthanisia or mercy killing, so that the person do not suffer anymore for his condition
krystabegnalie Wrote:or that form maybe euthanisia or mercy killing, so that the person do not suffer anymore for his condition
Yeah I'm sure wee have to talk about euthenasia too.
I don't think the choice to kill yourself should be given to everyone. Many times people quit when they're down just cause they're wussies and don't want to take it anymore, but those who live through it regret trying to kill them selves
Mickey Wrote:I don't think the choice to kill yourself should be given to everyone. Many times people quit when they're down just cause they're wussies and don't want to take it anymore, but those who live through it regret trying to kill them selves
QFT.
As for the guy in question, he should be allowed to pass away peacefully. I don't think any of us here would like to be in the same situation he is. Poor guy.
Mickey Wrote:I don't think the choice to kill yourself should be given to everyone. Many times people quit when they're down just cause they're wussies and don't want to take it anymore, but those who live through it regret trying to kill them selves
It would depend on the circumstances. I mean this guy's like permanently in pain, and even if he does recover, he's probably not going to be doing much more than sitting in bed all day (no hands, and he probably can't walk either). They should let him kill himself. While if it was some dude getting suicidal because his girlfriend dumped him, then what you said.
Meh... It was easier in Medieval Times....
As I assume this would be a discussion essay, on the other hand, you'd probably point out the issues with allowing or giving assisted suicide like trustworthiness of doctors etc and similarities with murder.
Personally, I believe if it can be ascertained that he is able to make rational decisions, and not under undue influence he should be allowed to make these sorts of decisions. Of course, determining these pre-conditions can be problematic though, especially if it's mistake prone.