Between the Logic of Life and the Anti-Logic of Death: Reflections on Suicidality in the wake of Jean Améry

Yael Lavi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Over the last century, suicidal thoughts have usually been examined under the magnifying glass of psychologists, psychiatrists, and moralists, as a pathological phenomenon of misjudgment or failure of judgment abilities. This approach, according to Jean Améry (1912–1978), is subordinate to the logic of life, while the suicidal mind is altered by the anti-logic of death. What is the anti-logic of death? Is it a logic at all? What is its relation to death and to voluntary death? This chapter aims to investigate the meaning of the anti-logic of death and its role in Améry’s line of reasoning. I argue that a proper understanding of the role of anti-logic uncovers the way in which Améry’s reasoning is aimed to expose the absurd rebellion embodied by voluntary death.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationJean Améry
Subtitle of host publicationBeyond the Mind's Limits
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages261-284
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9783030280956
ISBN (Print)9783030280949
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Absurd
  • Anti-logic
  • Death
  • Jean Améry
  • Suicide
  • Trust

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • General Social Sciences

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