Comparison of Emile Durkheim and Albert Camus theories on the phenomenon of suicide

This study compares the theories of French philosopher Albert Camus and French sociologist Émile Durkheim on the phenomenon of suicide, using the qualitative research method of content analysis. In this context, Durkheim's Suicide and Camus's The Myth of Sisyphus were examined in detail. The study reveals that Durkheim approached suicide from a sociological perspective by employing scientific methods, while Camus treated it as an existential problem. In The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus describes suicide as "a philosophical problem" and discusses it within the framework of the absurdity of life. Durkheim, on the other hand, drew on scientific data to arrive at philosophical reflections. In conclusion, Durkheim's sociological approach and Camus's philosophical approach offer two complementary perspectives on the phenomenon of suicide. Accordingly, understanding suicide requires not only scientific data but also philosophical inquiry. Furthermore, although the two thinkers stem from different disciplines and employ different concepts, both highlight the issue of "questioning the meaning of life" as one of the main factors leading to suicide. However, Durkheim explains this issue through the concept of "melancholy," whereas Camus addresses it within the framework of the "absurd."