Why Suicide Is Amoral - by Robyn Gaier (Hardcover)

About the Book

If an agent lacks the ability to exercise deliberative agency or moral agency, or otherwise does not believe themselves to have a choice with respect to an action, then that action is amoral. Robyn Gaier argues that actions of suicide are amoral in at least these ways.

Book Synopsis

Moral evaluations of actions are only appropriate for actions within the moral domain. Actions outside of the moral domain are amoral actions. In Why Suicide Is Amoral: A Philosophical Account, Robyn Gaier emphasizes the role of agency in determining whether an action is within the moral domain. If an agent lacks either deliberative agency or moral agency, then their action is amoral. An agent lacks deliberative agency if they cannot evaluate and act upon reasons, and moral agency if they cannot act upon moral reasons. Actions in which such agencies are compromised are also amoral actions. In treating actions of suicide, while granting their diversity, this book traces them to the loss or threat of loss of basic psychological needs. Gaier argues that when basic psychological needs are lost or under threat, an agent's deliberative agency, moral agency, or both are either lacking or compromised. Hence, actions of suicide are amoral, and it is a conceptual mistake to attempt the moral evaluation of actions of suicide. Furthermore, when we regard actions of suicide as within the moral domain, we perpetuate a social stigma against suicide.

Review Quotes

""Robyn Gaier has produced a remarkable book on an important topic. She has combined research in psychology and philosophy to argue for a surprising yet ultimately persuasive thesis--that all actions of suicide lie outside the domain of moral evaluation and thus are amoral. Gaier's arguments combine analytical rigor with deep insights and sensitivity, informed by both literature and psychology. The writing is refreshingly accessible to nonspecialist audiences. This is the very best kind of interdisciplinary approach, and it will quickly become required reading for anyone concerned to grapple with the philosophical, psychological, and societal issues surrounding suicide."" --Alastair Norcross, University of Colorado Boulder

""The suggestion that suicide is beyond the reach of moral assessment is sure to raise eyebrows, but Robyn Gaier pursues this line of thought with profound acumen, acuity, and, most important, humanity. In my view, Why Suicide Is Amoral: A Philosophical Account is the most important philosophical text on suicide in many years."" --Dale Dorsey, University of Kansas

""In Why Suicide Is Amoral: A Philosophical Account, Robyn Gaier offers a deft and lucid analysis of a fraught and difficult topic. Handling the topic with sensitivity and grace, Gaier argues that actions of suicide are amoral, in the sense that they fall outside the moral domain of evaluation, and as such are neither morally impermissible nor permissible. Her account of suicidal action is novel and enlightening. Gaier's discussions of deliberative and moral agency are plausible, deeply interesting, and richly developed. This book will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in the ethics of suicide, including issues surrounding self-sacrifice and medical end-of-life care, and to anyone with an interest in the nature and exercise of our capacities for moral and deliberative agency."" --Justin Klocksiem, New Mexico State University

About the Author

Robyn Gaier is assistant professor of philosophy at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania