Philosophy
Explore –Journal of Research
Peer Reviewed Journal
ISSN 2278–0297 (Print)
ISSN 2278–6414 (Online)
© Patna Women’s College, Patna, India
Kant’s Perspective on Euthanasia in the Light of Autonomy, Dignity and Rationality of Human Being
• Zannat Nisha • Shivangi • Aditi Bhushan • Ameeta Jaiswal
Received : December 2021
Accepted : January 2022
Corresponding Author : Ameeta Jaiswal
Abstract :Euthanasia or mercy killing is one of the most pressing and profound problems of medical ethics. It is a highly debatable topic though recently there appears a tremendous change in the opinion of people who have become more aware and receptive towards the act of euthanasia. This research work has been undertaken with the objective of examining Kant’s perspective on euthanasia in the light of his views on autonomy, dignity and rationality of human being. In order to attain this objective, literature on Kant’s ethical perspective was studied, surveywas conducted both in the online and offline modes. In the online mode survey was conducted through Google formand in the offline mode the views of some doctors were taken through the interview schedule. Altogether 110 respondents shared their views. After observing and analyzing the responses of the survey and the studies conducted it was found that Euthanasia is still a debatable ethical issue and thatrationality and autonomy of the patient are the most important factors in
the practice of Euthanasia. From Kant’s perspective autonomy, dignity and rationality are superior to life itself, and he also believes that in some circumstances life can be sacrificed for the sake of these values. It was also found that human beinghas the right to choose a good death for himself provided he is in a rational state. Hence the conclusion arrived at is thatlmmanuel Kant has given too much importance to the intrinsic values of human existence rather than to life itself. Thus, human beingas a rational animalhas the autonomy to choose a good death instead of unbearable sufferings in order to preserve his dignity of life.
Keywords: Euthanasia, Autonomy, Dignity, Rationality.
Zannat Nisha
B.A. III year, Philosophy (Hons.), Session: 2019-2022,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Shivangi
B.A. III year, Philosophy (Hons.), Session: 2019-2022,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Aditi Bhushan
B.A. III year, Philosophy (Hons.), Session: 2019-2022,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Ameeta Jaiswal
Head, Department of Philosphy,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Bailey Road, Patna-800 001, Bihar, India
E-mail : ameeta.phi CIO patnawomenscollege.in
