Citation

Laidlaw J. Econ. Soc. 2005; 34(2): 178-199.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03085140500054545

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes the practice of fasting to death in the Indian religion of Jainism. It shows how and why this form of self-killing is a highly regarded and publicly celebrated positive aspiration in Jainism. Through comparisons with some other forms of self-killing found in South Asia, it highlights the moral complexities of issues around volition and agency. And it illustrates how the practice embodies positions on some universal ethical issues. Copyright © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; Suicide; Ethics; India; Asia; South Asia; Religion; ethics; religion; Agency; Eurasia; Eastern Hemisphere; World; Jainism