Dynamic compatibility of the sanctity of life with the dignity of life： the euthanasia issue from the perspectives of Confucian philosophy of death and relational ethics
10.12026/j.issn.1001-8565.2026.06.14
- VernacularTitle:生命神圣对生命尊严的动态兼容——儒家死亡哲学和关系伦理视野下的安乐死问题
- Author:
Hongyao ZHAO
1
;
Xufeng LU
1
;
Shan ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. School of Basic Medicine， Army Medical University， Chongqing 400038， China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Confucianism;
philosophy of death;
bioethics;
euthanasia
- From:
Chinese Medical Ethics
2026;39(6):797-803
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The development of modern medical technology has enabled human beings to intervene in the entire process of life. As an important issue at the end of life， euthanasia has triggered profound controversies in bioethics regarding the right to life， autonomy， and moral responsibility. However， influenced by rationalism and religious dimensions， Western philosophy of death focuses on the subjectivity and individuality of death， thereby confining ethical discussions on euthanasia to the category of individual rights and obligations. Distinct from Western individualistic ethics， Confucianism， grounded in the “virtue of generating life”， emphasizes the harmony between the dignity of life and social relations. Despite not directly addressing issues related to euthanasia， its philosophy of death and relational ethics provides unique interpretations of the value of life， family ethics， and social responsibility. These interpretations effectively deconstruct the major ethical controversies over euthanasia and provide an enlightening perspective for us to reflect on this modern social issue.
