So my hours of Facebook browsing actually came in handy. Sorry for the long post.
A story kept coming up about a 29-year old woman who is choosing to end own life. Although a tragic story, I bring it up because I think it has a lot of relation to what we are discussing in class specifically regarding what is morally right and wrong and the meaning of life. The link to the story is:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/07/opinion/maynard-assisted-suicide-cancer-dignity/index.html?c&page=1
The first topic: Is it morally wrong for someone to end their own life?
I’m not exactly sure what the Bible says about suicide but under the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” I would think that those who believe in the Divine Command Theory would view suicide as morally wrong. After reading and watching Brittany’s story I find it hard to agree with this view. I’m not exactly sure what category the basis for morality on this issue would fall under (perhaps Divine Independence theory?) but, to me, her reasons seem justified for her actions.
The second topic: The meaning of life.
In the video Brittany says, “The reason to consider life and what’s of value is to make sure you’re not missing out. Sieze the day. What’s important to you? What matters? Pursue that.” This puts an emphasis on the meaning of life being defined by the individual which would seem to contradict Nagel’s stance that “Life may be not only meaningless but absurd.”
I watched the video and read the article. It’s so interesting to me. In regards to your first topic, I agree. I think that there is nothing morally wrong in her decision. I think that considering her circumstances, her choice is justified. I don’t think that it could be considered wrong or immoral. she is doing what is best for her and what she desires to have done as she’s passing away. She exemplifies the idea of living life for you and what makes you happy.
I read the article and your post, and I was amazed at how it changed my viewpoint of suicide. I have always personally viewed suicide as egotism in the extreme: those who take their own life take the easy way out of a hard situation without thought of those who loved them. Or so I thought. This article really changed my view of the idea of suicide, and while I am certainly not encouraging it, I believe that this woman made the right choice not only for herself but for her loved ones as well, the exact opposite of egotism. Every story has a back story and a hidden meaning.
One of my friends showed me this story the other day and I had some thoughts about it as well. Although what Brittany is doing is technically considered suicide, clearly her case is different from most. She is not taking her own life because she wants to. Her life is being taken from her by her cancer. She knows her death is inevitable and coming soon, and although she wishes she could stop it, she knows otherwise. I see nothing morally wrong with her decision. The way I see it, her cancer is taking her life, she isn’t.