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The bioethical principles and Confucius' moral philosophy
1Department of Social Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, No 1, Section 1, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan. fctsai@ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw
Journal of Medical Ethics
|March 2, 2005
Summary
Confucian ethics aligns with modern bioethical principles but prioritizes beneficence over autonomy. Applying the Confucian doctrine of the Mean can help balance these competing values in medical ethics.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Chinese Philosophy
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Modern bioethics, including principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, is examined.
- The study investigates the compatibility of these principles with Confucian ethics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Beauchamp and Childress's bioethical principles are present in, compatible with, or acceptable to Confucianism.
- To explore the influence of Confucian values on the application of bioethical principles.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of modern bioethical principles and Confucian moral philosophy.
- Examination of Confucian concepts such as filial piety, family values, and role-specific ethics.
Main Results:
- Confucian teachings contain moral values consistent with the four prima facie bioethical principles.
- Confucian emphasis on filial piety and relational ethics may lead to prioritizing beneficence over individual autonomy.
Conclusions:
- While Confucianism shares core values with bioethics, its application may differ, potentially diminishing individual autonomy.
- Employing the Confucian doctrine of the Mean and a balanced personhood approach can help resolve ethical dilemmas by finding a balance between competing principles.