Kant’s Categorical Imperative and the Dilemma of Suicide in the Society

Abstract

The worth of human life is considered to be the most invaluable asset in all human societies. However, the act of a deliberate attempt toterminateone's life, which is known as suicide, raises some questions which have to do with morality. While different theories have been advanced to explain the reasons why some people decide to attempt or terminate their lives, the justification of such actions demands some philosophical examination. This paper is to critically analyze the impasse relating to suicide in human society and examine some ethical theories which tend to justify this action. The paper adopts Immanuel Kant Categorical Imperative, which comprises the basic ethical principle such as the concept of goodwill, duty, rationality and freedom. These maxims, as a moral theory would be examined with the view to condemn in totality the act of suicide in human society. The paper adopts expository, analytic and critical methods of Philosophy to sustain its argument.