The compatibility between Shiite and Kantian approach to passive voluntary euthanasia

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Bioethics
• Philosophy of Religion

Background:

• Euthanasia, particularly passive voluntary euthanasia (PVE), is a contentious issue in contemporary medical ethics.
• Kantian ethical framework emphasizes reason and human dignity, with the 'principle of ends' highlighting the intrinsic worth of individuals.
• Islamic tradition features Ash'arite and Mu'tazilite theological schools, with Shiite and Sunni branches. Shiite theology aligns with Mu'tazilite views, asserting reason's capacity to discern moral truths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the ethical permissibility of passive voluntary euthanasia (PVE) through the lenses of Kantian philosophy and Islamic Shiite theology.
• To explore the role of human dignity in bioethical decision-making within these distinct frameworks.
• To compare the ethical conclusions regarding PVE derived from Kantian and Islamic perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Comparative ethical analysis of Kantian categorical imperative and Islamic theological reasoning.
• Examination of the concept of human dignity in both philosophical and religious contexts.
• Review of scholarly opinions within Shiite jurisprudence concerning voluntary death.

Main Results:

• Kantian ethics, particularly the 'principle of ends,' categorically prohibits PVE due to its conflict with human dignity.
• Shiite and Mu'tazilite Islamic traditions, prioritizing reason, permit bioethical judgments based on human dignity, independent of strict scriptural interpretation.
• While most Shiite scholars reject voluntary euthanasia, some Shiite ethical contexts allow for PVE, demonstrating a nuanced approach more akin to Rossian ethics than strict Kantianism.

Conclusions:

• Kantian ethics presents a categorical moral objection to passive voluntary euthanasia.
• Islamic Shiite perspectives offer a more contextual ethical evaluation of PVE, grounded in reason and human dignity.
• The ethical permissibility of PVE differs significantly between Kantian philosophy and Islamic Shiite tradition, with the latter allowing for greater flexibility in specific circumstances.