도교의 생명윤리

초록

This is to study on Bioethics of Taoism. Taoism is the most comprehensive thought in the traditional thoughts of East Asia. The main idea of Taoism is quanshanchengxian, which places the life first. Solving the existence of life is the starting point of quanshanchengxian Bioethics. The answer to solve the problem of life existence is to become Taoist. In Taoism, human beings can overcome death and have eternal life. Our sins should be forgiven by leading a life in virtue morally and building up virtues in addition to cultivating life or neidan or waidan. With this basis Bioethics is formed of life philosophy and ethics. The several principles of Bioethics of Taoism can be drawn from applying Bioethics of Taoism. First, the principle of respect for autonomy. In Taoism human beings are independent for their lives. They do not depend on nature, but they can control themselves. That is to say, their lives depend not on god but on their own wills. Secondly, the principle of beneficence. Taoism seeks for the moral, ideal society full of virtues. In this moral ideal society the joy of life is to help other people. Therefore, we should forgive sinners and help them to lead their lives in virtue. This virtue is connected to eternal life. Thirdly, the principle of non-maleficence. In Taoism people who have morality and wealth should cultivate and educate people who have immorality and live in poverty. If you deprive poor people of their property or deceive immoral people, you become a sinner and die at an early age. Finally, the principle of respect for life. The religious, ultimate goal of Taoism is to have eternal life. The human life is the most precious in all nature and the most important in virtues. Hence, all the lives including human life should be placed first. The principle of respect for autonomy is limited to the principle of respect for life because Taoism as a religion considers longevity as the most significant value. Taoism sets count on protecting individual life and educating people. Longevity and eternal life are the most important values in life. To attain this goal, one assumption is necessary. That is based on the belief that all human beings can control themselves as independent creatures, not dependent. This belief is womingzaiwo, the principle of respect for autonomy. From this perspective, the principle of Taoism’s respect for autonomy could be said only one of the methods to protect dignity of life. Accordingly, Bioethics of Taoism seeks out an ethical answer from the perspective that the principle of respect for life takes precedence over other principles. On this basis Bioethics of Taoism is the top-down approach that applies the general moral theory to the concrete moral problems.

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