more from A.C. Grayling

Single Idea 7824

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 4. Suicide]

Full Idea

An anomaly created by England's 1961 Suicide Act is that it is lawful to take one's own life, but unlawful to help anyone else to do it. This means anyone unable to commit suicide without help is denied one of their fundamental rights.

Gist of Idea

If suicide is lawful, but assisting suicide is unlawful, powerless people are denied their rights

Source

A.C. Grayling (What is Good? [2003], Ch.8)

Book Reference

Grayling,A.C.: 'What is Good? The Best Way to Live' [Phoenix 2003], p.206


A Reaction

There is a difference, not really captured either by law or by reason, between tolerating an activity, and encouraging and helping it. I think the test question is "this activity is legal, but would you want your child to do it?"