Aquinas

What are Aquinas’s arguments against the moral permissibility of ending one’s own life?

• It goes against nature and self-love. People naturally try to preserve their own lives. Suicide goes against the duty to love and care for yourself.

• It harms society. Every person is part of a community, so taking your own life harms the community you belong to.

• It goes against God. God gives people life and has the authority to decide when life ends. Humans do not have the right to take that authority for themselves.

Why does Aquinas think suicide is wrong even if someone wants to escape suffering?

He argues that death is a greater evil than the suffering someone is trying to escape. A person should not choose a greater evil to avoid a lesser one. He also believes that suffering does not give someone the right to take their own life.

Why does Aquinas think someone cannot legally or morally execute themselves, even if they are a criminal?

Even public officials who have the authority to punish criminals cannot judge and execute themselves. A person is not the judge of their own case, and only the proper authority can decide on punishment.

Why does Aquinas reject suicide as a way to escape shame or sin?

He argues that suicide prevents a person from having time to repent and make things right. He also says people should not commit a serious wrong to avoid another wrong, especially when the future wrongdoing is uncertain.

How does Aquinas respond to the argument that Samson and other religious figures died by suicide?

He says Samson’s actions can only be excused if the Holy Spirit secretly commanded him to do it. Aquinas treats these cases as special exceptions involving divine direction, not as proof that suicide is generally acceptable.

Why does Aquinas reject the idea that suicide is an act of bravery?

He argues that true courage means being willing to face death or suffering for a good reason, not taking your own life to escape suffering. He sees suicide to avoid punishment or hardship as weakness rather than true courage.