PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

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.