Citation

Kipke R. Ethik Med. 2021; 33(4): 521-538.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00481-021-00654-x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Definition of the problem: The ethical debate about assisted suicide remains controversial and is also based in part on assumptions that are taken for granted, but which, on closer inspection, lack justification. Arguments: The article develops a new approach by focusing on the social dimension of the denial of meaning in life, which is often expressed by suicides. For a fundamental social connection is included in the human orientation towards the goal of a meaningful life, namely an implicit appreciation of human beings as potential sources of meaning and as subjects of judgments about the meaningfulness. Suicides tend to negate this connection.

CONCLUSION: This view of suicide can, among other things, help to adquately understand the meaning of (assisted) suicide and justify the widely shared assumptions of a primacy of suicide prevention and a conscientious objection right of doctors. © 2021, The Author(s).

Language: de

Keywords

adult; human; female; male; prevention; decision making; assisted suicide; Suicide prevention; article; human experiment; Assisted suicide; Autonomy; human dignity; Human dignity; Meaningful life; social connectedness; conscientious objection; Meaningfulness