Syllabus Topic
Buddhism
Ethics
ONE of the following areas of ethical teaching in Buddhism:
- bioethics
Bioethics in Buddhism encompasses ethical considerations related to life, health, and the environment. It involves examining moral dilemmas arising from medical practices, genetic engineering, environmental conservation, and the treatment of animals.
Principles and Modern Examples
1. Respect for Life: Buddhism emphasises the sanctity of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings. This principle extends to ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and the treatment of animals. For example, Buddhist teachings influence approaches to end-of-life care, advocating for compassionate and dignified treatment of the dying, often avoiding excessive medical interventions that may prolong suffering.
2. Compassion and Non-harm: The principle of ahimsa (non-harming) is central to Buddhist ethics. Bioethical decisions should be guided by compassion and the intention to minimise harm to all beings. This principle also extends to environmental ethics, where Buddhists promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices, recognising the interdependence of all life forms and the environment.
3. Karma and Intention: Buddhist ethics consider not only the actions themselves but also the intentions behind them. The consequences of actions (karma) are believed to influence future experiences, emphasising the importance of ethical decision-making. In medical contexts, these principal influences decisions related to organ donation, genetic engineering, and the use of technology in healthcare, emphasising compassion and non-harm.
4. Interdependence and Environmental Ethics: Buddhism teaches the interconnectedness of all beings and the environment. Bioethical considerations include sustainable living, environmental conservation, and responsible stewardship of resources. This principle also applies to animal welfare, where Buddhists advocate for the ethical treatment of animals, often promoting vegetarianism or veganism and supporting initiatives that protect animal rights.
Conclusion
Buddhist bioethics provide a holistic framework for addressing complex ethical dilemmas in modern society. By emphasising compassion, non-harm, and interconnectedness, Buddhism offers valuable insights into ethical decision-making in areas such as healthcare, environmental conservation, and animal welfare.
Sources
National institute of Environment Health Sciences: Bioethics
MedlinePlus : abortion
Britannica: Euthanasia
Cambridge Dictionary: interventions
Yoga Journal: ahimsa
Merriam-Webster: conservation
Britannica: karma
Health Direct: organ donation
National human genome research institute: genetic engineering
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