Workshop "Exploring Suicidal Ambivalence"

When: February 12th, 2026, from 19.30 until 21.00.

Location: Munich School of Philosophy, lecture hall and online.

Contact: For questions and registration (for the online link), please contact lieke.asma@hfph.de.

During this event, we will present the new anthology Exploring suicidal ambivalence. Philosophical and psychological perspectives, edited by René Baston and Martin Weichold. This volume is the outcome of an interdisciplinary scientific network (DFG - 503928313), that ran from 2022 until 2025. We will start with a short introduction to the book, after which two contributors, Tobias Teissmann and Michael Cholbi, will give talks, followed by a public discussion.

The volume offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary exploration of ambivalence in suicidal agency, a phenomenon that, despite its significance in clinical psychology, remains under-conceptualized. Philosophers debate what ambivalence amounts to and whether ambivalence and ambivalence undermines practical rationality and agency, yet this discourse has rarely been applied to suicidal ambivalence. This volume examines the structural features of ambivalence in suicidal individuals, focusing, among other things, on the conflicting desires to end one's life versus the desire to live. By analyzing these opposing mental states, it clarifies the psychological and philosophical dimensions of ambivalence and its impact on the transition from suicidal ideation to action. Furthermore, it critically evaluates whether ambivalence reflects diminished rationality and whether suicidal ambivalence potentially justifies paternalistic interventions. Bridging psychology and philosophy, this volume provides a nuanced understanding of ambivalence in suicidal agency, with significant implications for clinical practice and ethical decision-making.