Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description:

Below is an author abstract of a response article to Damien and John Keown concerning Buddhist and Christian views on medical ethics, published in the same issue of issues of The Journal of Medical Ethics. (See article "Killing, karma and caring : euthanasia in Buddhism and Christianity" by Damien and John Keown) (Zach Rowinski 2005-03-24)

Author's Abstract: Damien and John Keown claim that there is important common ground between Buddhism and Christianity on the issue of euthanasia and that both traditions oppose it for similar reasons in order to espouse a "sanctity of life" position. I argue that the appearance of consensus is partly created by their failure to specify clearly enough certain key notions in the argument: particularly Buddhism, euthanasia and the sanctity of life. Once this is done, the Keown's central claims can be seen to be either false or only restrictedly true.

Means of availability: Articles from the Journal of medical ethics are available online and in print. See publisher's site or check with library for subscription.