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Thursday, March 31, 2005
12:40 PM

Hmmm... Have anyone read Mill's On Liberty? He said "Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign". Then, does it imply that the society should not ban suicide or euthanasia?

According to Mill's argument, it is right to end your own live as long as you are the decision-maker and it does not harm anybody else. For those utilitarian, they would be happier if someone died as it would mean there will be more space, more oxygen, more resources etc for other people, it's good in this sense.

However, in society, we can't follow Mill's argument exactly as there would be bad social effects. The first thing in people's minds would be "it would be morally wrong for suicide and euthanasia." But leave moral issues aside first, since it can't rebut Mill's argument. Suicide and euthanasia will not cause injuries or death of other people right? Leave aside the possibility of falling on some innocent people when jumping off the building etc.

Will people use euthanasia as a murder weapon? It may be possible but how many people would do it if euthanasia is allowed? Hmmm... Think it's time to find some case studies.

If someone will be happier if his or her sufferings end, then it would be better to commit suicide. Oops... I'm actually saying something that I always oppose. "Live on bravely..." How effective is this and other similar phrase has on those who are determined to die. The people today are rather troubled living a meaningless life, they should live for the sake of living and should be free to accomplish. If not, then living will has no difference with death.

Ok... Imagine this man who is a useless bum, creates nothing but trouble to the society. If one day, he's going to commit suicide, will you stop him? A few things to consider - he's really a great trouble-maker that everybody would wish he would disappear immediately; if he's really going to die, yippee! The earth will not waste its resources again; he's the only one who can decide whether to die or not, and it will not harm the others, in fact, it's a blessing to the others, according to Mill's argument.

Alright... You may ignore me... I'm just cracking my brain for the next philosophy essay... But if you have any comments, feel free to tell me... I need more ideas...

DEATHNOTE..L