Rational and irrational suicide in Plato and modern psychiatry

Abstract

SUMMARYSuicide is a complex issue that is sparking increasingly more debate in contemporary society. There is need for an open discussion on the concept of rational suicide, specifically in relation to psychiatric disorders, so as to resolve the conflict between the duty of care of psychiatrists and the autonomy of patients. To be able to conduct such a discussion in an objective manner, we must first be made aware of the potential prejudices that we harbour on the topic of suicide as a result of our societal and historical background. A historical and philosophical approach to the topic, through careful examination of the topic of suicide in the texts of Plato, helps create such an awareness.

Looking at the facts about suicide

“…Against this background, and especially in the context of the loss of life through suicide and the suffering of the bereaved, any article that seeks to better understand suicidal behaviour and offer reasonable and reasoned paths forward is greatly to be welcomed. Dinkelaar's article ‘Rational and irrational suicide in Plato and modern psychiatry’ revisits the extensively discussed theme of ‘rational suicide’ from one particular philosophical perspective (Dinkelaar 2020, this issue).…”