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Religious ethics and active euthanasia in a pluralistic society.
1Oregon State University.
Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal
|August 6, 1992
Summary
This study categorizes religious views on legalized euthanasia, examining their ethical foundations and public policy relevance. Religious discourse offers meaning to euthanasia debates, fostering pluralism despite potential loss of religious specificity.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Religious Studies
- Public Policy
Background:
- Religious traditions hold diverse perspectives on legalized euthanasia.
- These views impact public discourse and policy debates.
- Understanding the normative basis of these perspectives is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a typology of religious perspectives on legalized euthanasia.
- To examine the ethical underpinnings (sovereignty, stewardship, self) of these views.
- To explore the public relevance and policy implications of religious discourse on euthanasia.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive typology of religious perspectives.
- Thematic analysis of normative bases (sovereignty, stewardship, self).
- Exploration of public relevance in policy debates.
Main Results:
- Identified five typologies: political advocacy, individual conscience, silence, embedded opposition, formal public opposition.
- Normative bases include sovereignty, stewardship, and the self.
- Religious discourse on euthanasia gains public relevance, potentially at the expense of religious content.
Conclusions:
- Religious traditions offer a context of ultimacy and meaning for euthanasia debates.
- This contribution is vital for genuine pluralism in public policy.
- Despite potential secularization of discourse, religious perspectives remain relevant.