4 ms·
I disagree with your logic: the fact that there are (even possibly a majority!) of cases when not wanting to live as long as possible is the result of a patholo
by guareber8 6y ago
I disagree with your logic: the fact that there are (even possibly a majority!) of cases when not wanting to live as long as possible is the result of a pathology, it doesn't negate that there are perfectly sane people who do not want to prolongue their life. Just one such case is enough to make their statement accurate - I don't think he generalised those willing to die, but those unwilling to accept that as their choice. Based exclusively on my experience, that is a valid generalisation.
And yes, plenty of people have setup advanced directives, DnR's, and other such instructions while fully on their capacities, and that doesn't require them being in a pathological or even emotional state. It can easily be caused by having a standard of quality of life they intend to maintain.
- dfhjgkljhf44 6y agoI wasn't as clear as I'd like to have been. I agree that sane suicidal people exist. I don't believe it's surprising that people assume that suicidal people are not sane - the heuristic is accurate and helpful for those who need help. Edit: I feel compelled to add a qualification to what I've posted. If anyone thinks they are rational and suicidal: I don't believe you. Self-harm is an emotional behavior. Our brains are designed to help us lie to ourselves when we're emotional. The odds that you are the one philosopher in an arbitrarily large crowd of people who's needs aren't being met is incredibly slim. I grant no one abstract approval for ending their own life.
- guareber8 6y agoOk that makes more sense. I also agree with you in that I don't believe it's surprising, but I think it's for entirely different reasons. Mine are rooted in my skepticism about the capacity for critical thinking in the general population.