Philosophy Questions - Essay Example

In giving a “religious” response to this argument, Kant would state that it is God’s intention to preserve life, and as our lives are the property of God, it is a rebellion against our duty towards Him to take our own life. When we alter the course of a river we are not going against the intention of God, however, when we take our own life, it is, in essence, rebellion as we throw away our life. In my opinion this response is quite good as if my life the property of God, it goes to show that God has given it to me as a “trust” and I am to take care of it until the Owner deems fit.

It would not be fitting for a trustee to take over the trust that has been handed over to him, as in essence it does not belong to him, but he is merely a caretaker of the property so given in trust. When a person thinks of his own life as not belonging to him, and realizes that his position is that of a caretaker, it follows that he will take care not to damage it in anyway or destroy it altogether. I am not in the position to destroy my life because it belongs to God and my duty towards Him is to take care of his property in the best possible way. (2) On p. 311, Brandt asks, "Is there any sound argument… to establish that there is (or is not) some moral obligation to avoid suicide as such.?" What is the argument that he considers?

What other argument, not considered by Brandt, might one give to support the claim that there is? Brandt states that normally suicide is committed under a fit of depression or anger, and for it to have a negative moral implication results in such people thinking long and hard about taking their own life. He states that normally a person who commits suicide does not serve anyone’s welfare by doing so; however, sometimes it is in the best interest of everybody concerned for the person to take his own life.

Therefore, there is a moral obligation to instill the immorality of suicide into the minds of people, as mostly people who are