Cebes's Paradox The problem of suicide in Cioran's philosophy

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the issue of suicide as discussed by the French philosopher Emil Cioran, exploring the reasons behind his analysis and the ultimate goal of his philosophical inquiry. Was his approach purely theoretical, or was he seeking practical solutions? Additionally, the study investigates the methods he employed in analyzing this issue and evaluates the objectivity of his conclusions.

Methods: The research employs historical and descriptive methods to present Cioran’s ideas and their connection to his personal experiences. A comparative approach is used to assess his influences, while a critical analytical method is applied to evaluate his arguments.

Results: The study concludes that Cioran's views on suicide exhibit significant inconsistency—at times endorsing it and at other times rejecting it. He failed to provide a concrete solution for confronting suicide, instead advocating for absurdism and equating life with death. Furthermore, his perspectives were influenced by reactions to his writings, leading him to adopt reconciliatory positions that justified his ideas without acknowledging their contradictions.

Conclusions: Addressing suicide from a philosophical, rather than psychological, lens, Cioran viewed life as inherently tragic, questioning its worth and the right to end it. He explored religious and psychological deterrents to suicide but failed to provide a coherent resolution, emphasizing the need for a broader philosophical approach beyond nihilism.