Every Individual Is Capable of Injuring or Killing Himself

question 98

Multiple Choice

Every individual is capable of injuring or killing himself. This potentiality is a fundamental expression of human freedom. Self-destructive behavior may be regarded as sinful and penalized by means of informal sanctions. But it should not be regarded as a crime or (mental) disease, justifying or warranting the use of the police powers of the state for its control. Therefore, it is absurd to deprive an adult of a drug (or of anything else) because he might use it to kill himself. Thomas Szasz, "The Ethics of Addiction".

• A) Argument; conclusion: Every individual is capable of injuring or killing himself.
• B) Argument; conclusion: Self destructive behavior ... informal sanctions.
• C) Nonargument.
• D) Argument; conclusion: This potentiality ... expression of human freedom.
• E) Argument; conclusion: It is absurd to deprive an adult of a drug ... kill himself.

---

Definitions:

Seduction

The process of deliberately enticing a person to engage in some form of sexual behavior.

Self-Disclosure

The act of revealing personal, private information about oneself to others.

Similarity

A Gestalt principle of perception; the tendency to perceive things that look similar to each other as being part of the same group.

Emotional Expression

The way in which a person exhibits behavioral manifestations of emotion, including facial expressions, vocalizations, and gestures.