Suicide – freedom or constraint? How free will works in autolysis

ABSTRACT. By way of an introduction we get involved in an age-long debate over free will and freedom of will, with an eye to Aristotle, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. We then seek for an answer to the question whether suicide is the expression of freedom or constraint, the choices and solutions being steeped in Durkheim, Shneedman and, further back, in John Locke’s philosophy and St. Augustine’s theology. The stimulating, if unpleasant, thought about lack of freedom in suicide comes forth in the process, Shneidman’s suicide cube, Murray’s psychogenic needs and Lansky’cry for help inviting solutions to keep in mind and apply. pp. 3–8

Keywords: free will; suicide; freedom; suicide cube; psychogenic needs; cry for help