Euthanasia: A Buddhist perspective

This paper introduces basic Buddhist cosmology and ethical teachings, emphasizing the concepts of rebirth and Karma. There follows a discussion of the Buddhist view of illness and its causes. Using these introductory concepts, the Buddhist view on euthanasia is explored and contrasted with the views of Marvin Kohl, a leading proponent of euthanasia. It is shown that Buddhism prohibits euthanasia as an option for the terminally ill but instead advocates hospice care. The paper is offered to expand the current dialogue on bioethical issues beyond the Judeo-Christian perspective.     

艰难的安乐死

安乐死立法难,依法更难,执法难上难。有法不依,执法不严;一失足成千古恨,再回头已是百年身。     

Life is More than a Survey: Understanding Attitudes toward Euthanasia in Japan

Empirical studies in bioethics, as well as clinical experience, demonstrate the existence of inter- and intra-cultural diversity in values and perspectives on end-of-life issues. This paper argues that while survey research can describe such diversity, explaining it requires ethnographic methodology that allows ordinary people to frame the discussion in their own terms. This study of attitudes toward euthanasia in Japan found that people face conflicts between deeply held values such as life versus pain, self versus other, and burden versus self-reliance that make it difficult to rely on a "rational person" approach to decision-making. An inductive ethnographic approach grounded in people's life experiences can indicate the reasons for variation in responses to surveys, and can clarify the nature of ethical conflict in a particular cultural setting.     

安乐死立法的条件分析--兼评"安乐死暂行条例(草案)(建议稿)"

安乐死是社会发展进程中所面临的一个不可避免的问题。在我国 ,自 80年代以来 ,安乐死的讨论、调查和研究逐步深入。在此进程中 ,尤其是自“汉中案件”以后 ,安乐死的立法问题几乎成为所有讨论、调查和研究的最后聚焦点或最后的理论归宿。“安乐死暂行条例 (草案 ) (建议稿 )”的提出[1] (以下简称“草案”) ,在安乐死立法问题上 ,迈出了实质性的一步。“草案”实际上代表着目前在安乐死立法问题上的一种主流意见。在这种主流意见 (不一定就是“草案”本身 )被立法机关采纳之前 ,应该有更冷静的思考和分析 ,应当促使安乐死问题有一个更深入…