Nietypowe formy i struktury zachowań samobójczych: analiza przypadków
Atypical forms and structures of suicidal behavior. Case studies

Summary/Abstract: The conducted analysis reveals the diversity of motivations and circumstances accompanying specific forms of behaviors leading to death, such as hunger strikes, compelled renunciation of means of sustenance, or surrogate death. The common denominator of these actions is their extreme nature, often arising from situations of coercion, dramatic choices, or profound moral and ethical convictions. Each of these forms generates unique ethical dilemmas that require consideration of both the actor’s intentions and the objective consequences of their decisions. In the context of a hunger strike, the decision to abstain from food intake can be evaluated as morally neutral or even positive, provided it is motivated by significant reasons and aims not at self-destruction but at achieving a greater good. On the other hand, surrogate death, as exemplified by St. Maximilian Kolbe, represents a heroic sacrifice of life for another individual. While such decisions may raise questions about their alignment with moral principles, the key criterion for their evaluation remains altruistic motivation and the absence of direct suicidal intent. Ultimately, each of the analyzed behaviors requires an individual approach to moral assessment, taking into account the situational context, intentions, and consequences. The considerations presented indicate that the ethical evaluation of such actions is complex and multifaceted but can lead to their recognition as morally acceptable or even commendable under specific circumstances. This article seeks to shed light on the issue of behaviors with extreme consequences and to outline criteria that may aid in their moral evaluation. It is my hope that this brief analysis will inspire further research into the ethical aspects of human sacrifice in the context of suicidology, an integral part of our shared moral experience.

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