Buddhism and bioethics

Does Buddhism have anything of value to contribute to contemporary discussions on medical ethics? Can there be a 'Buddhist view' on ethical problems? Does Buddhism hold that view to be objectively true rather than just a matter of 'personal opinion'? Buddhism and Bioethics gives affirmative answers to all these questions. It is the first book to provide a comprehensive discussion of a number of central issues in contemporary medical ethics from a Buddhist perspective. Written for a general readership it requires no prior knowledge of Buddhism, ethics or medicine, but will be of value to anyone with an interest in any, or all, of these subjects.

Issues such as abortion, embryo research and euthanasia have been discussed exhaustively from the standpoint of Western philosophy and religion, but so far the voice of Buddhism has been little heard in the debate. Although widely respected for its benevolent and humanistic values, Buddhism has not so far shown how its ethical principles can be applied in a consistent manner to contemporary moral dilemmas. Drawing on both ancient and modern sources, this book sets out the basis of a Buddhist response to the major ethical questions posed by modern medicine.

Originally published 1995 ; reprinted (with new Preface and minor alterations) 2001.

1. Buddhism, Medicine and Ethics. I. Buddhism and medicine. II. Buddhism and ethics. III. Doing Buddhist ethics. IV. Humans, animals and persons. V. Ethics and human good. VI. A test case -- 2. At the Beginning of Life. I. When does life begin? II. Reflections on the three conditions. III. Embryo loss and twinning. IV. Abortion. V. Embryo research. VI. Fertility control -- 3. At the End of Life. I. Defining death. II. Buddhism and death. III. The persistent vegetative state. IV. Euthanasia: early sources. V. Euthanasia: modern views.