Eastern worldviews of bioethics

Abstract

There is a preconceived notion that bioethics is a product of Western thinkers, especially stemming out from the modern philosophers in the likes of Locke, Kant and others. Their thoughts frame the nature of social, political and ethical dimensions of philosophy in the modern era, eventually being prescribed as global values for humankind. The spread of Western influence to the East through trade, colonialism and later diplomacy enable Western precepts of philosophy and bioethics to gain ground in the Eastern societies. However, the East is no alien to philosophy and worldviews either, the Hindu-Buddhist tradition and Confucianism have existed and formulate human existence and wellbeing in Asia for centuries. Bioethics principles can be seen in the discourse and teaching of Confucius, Buddha and other Hindu thinkers. These Eastern discourses are rarely known in the West. It should be noted that Western prescription of bioethics is not always congruent to the Eastern societies. Therefore, the Western constructions can be problematic to the Eastern cultures. This article examines the significance of bioethics principles that are enshrined in the worldviews and societal practices of the Eastern communities, especially in the Hindu-Buddhist and Confucian traditions. To examine this theme, the article is divided into three sections. Firstly, it examines the nature of contradictions between these worldviews. Secondly, it discusses the bioethics principles enshrined in the Hindu-Buddhist and Confucian traditions. Thirdly, it provides a concluding analysis on ‗how and why‘ certain Eastern precepts of bioethics are more useful to explain current issues like sustainability and human dignity.