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History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It

Tim Reed

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Published in Stay: A History Of Suicide And The Philosophies Against It

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A Painting Of A Man Contemplating Suicide Stay: A History Of Suicide And The Philosophies Against It

Suicide is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and historians for centuries. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of suicide, from its origins in ancient Greece and Rome to its modern manifestations. The book also examines the arguments for and against suicide, drawing on a variety of philosophical, religious, and cultural perspectives.

Stay: A History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It

by Jennifer Michael Hecht

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	804 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

The History of Suicide

The earliest known evidence of suicide dates back to ancient Greece. In the Homeric epics, suicide is often depicted as a heroic act, committed by warriors who are defeated in battle or who are faced with dishonor. In ancient Rome, suicide was also seen as a noble act, and it was often practiced by political leaders who were facing defeat or exile. During the Middle Ages, suicide was condemned by the Christian Church, which saw it as a sin against God. This view was reinforced by the Protestant Reformation, which further stigmatized suicide. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment brought about a more tolerant view of suicide, and it was no longer considered to be a crime in most European countries. In the 19th century, suicide rates began to rise in Europe and North America. This was due in part to the Industrial Revolution, which led to widespread social and economic dislocation. In the 20th century, suicide rates continued to rise, and suicide became a major public health concern.

The Arguments For and Against Suicide

There are a variety of arguments for and against suicide. Some people argue that suicide is a rational choice that should be respected. They believe that people have the right to end their own lives if they are suffering from a terminal illness or if they are facing unbearable pain. Others argue that suicide is always wrong, and that it is never justified. They believe that suicide is a selfish act that harms the family and friends of the person who commits it. There is no easy answer to the question of whether or not suicide is justified. The decision of whether or not to end one's own life is a personal one, and it should be made after careful consideration of all the factors involved.

Suicide is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and historians for centuries. This book has provided a comprehensive overview of the history of suicide, from its origins in ancient Greece and Rome to its modern manifestations. The book has also examined the arguments for and against suicide, drawing on a variety of philosophical, religious, and cultural perspectives. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to end one's own life is a personal one, and it should be made after careful consideration of all the factors involved.

Stay: A History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It

by Jennifer Michael Hecht

4.4 out of 5