A review and new look at ethical suicide in advanced age.
Suicide is common in old age, but public opinion remains negative. Following a review of theories of suicide and a summary of arguments against suicide, this essay constructs an argument for why the elderly have a unique claim to an ethical, unobstructed suicide. That claim rests on their "developmental autonomy," based on the experience and wisdom of the elderly.
Carpenter
B D
BD
Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106.
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004989:Ethics; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010684:Philosophy; D012962:Sociology, Medical; D013405:Suicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000092864:Suicide Prevention