25. Suicide, Part II: Deciding under uncertainty

Death (PHIL 176)

The discussion of suicide continues. A few more cases are introduced to consider circumstances under which it might be rational to end one's life, and more graphs are drawn that show relevant variations in the quality of one's life. A question is then posed about how one should make a decision about continuing or ending life, given that one cannot know the future with certainty. Finally, two quick moral arguments concerning suicide which rest on theological premises are presented.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Is Suicide Itself Rational? A Time-Value Analysis
12:58 - Chapter 2. To Continue or End Life Given the Uncertainty of Death
25:30 - Chapter 3. Rationalizing Suicide in Cases of Illness
36:40 - Chapter 4. Introduction to the Morality of Suicide: Is Life a Gift?

Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu


This course was recorded in Spring 2007.