Kathleen Stock’s “Do Not Go Gentle” presents a compelling philosophical argument against assisted dying. In this remarkably articulate and logical work, Stock meticulously builds her case opposing state-sanctioned end-of-life options. While her immediate concern targets the current end-of-life legislation before the House of Lords, her critique extends to the fundamental principle itself. This book, described as a polite yet firm polemic, aims to persuade readers to share her aversion to what she terms the “institutionalisation of death.”
Stock’s position challenges prevailing public sentiment, as recent polls consistently indicate that approximately three-quarters of Britons support assisted dying for individuals with terminal illnesses. However, Stock is known for her readiness to advocate for unpopular views. This resolve was evident in 2021 when she resigned from the University of Sussex following protests related to her arguments, detailed in her book “Material Girls,” that biological sex is binary and immutable and should form the basis for women’s protective legislation, rather than gender identity. Her latest work continues this tradition of intellectual courage, offering a rigorous examination of a highly sensitive and contentious issue.