Buddhism and Bioethics

By Damien Keown

Book Description

In an era where medical advances constantly challenge our moral compass, ancient wisdom traditions offer profound insights that remain largely unexplored in contemporary ethical debates. This groundbreaking exploration bridges the gap between Buddhist philosophy and modern medical dilemmas, revealing how timeless spiritual principles can illuminate today's most pressing bioethical questions.

Drawing from both classical Buddhist texts and contemporary sources, this accessible work demonstrates how Buddhist ethical frameworks can provide coherent, compassionate responses to complex medical issues. Rather than offering mere personal opinions, the author presents Buddhism's objective moral teachings as valuable contributions to ongoing discussions about life, death, and healing.

The book addresses critical topics that dominate medical ethics today, including questions surrounding the beginning and end of life, research involving human embryos, and the moral complexities physicians face daily. While Western philosophical and religious perspectives have dominated these conversations, Buddhist voices have remained notably absent despite the tradition's reputation for compassionate, humanistic values.

Written for readers without specialized knowledge in Buddhism, ethics, or medicine, this comprehensive examination makes Buddhist moral reasoning accessible to anyone seeking deeper understanding. Whether you approach these questions as a healthcare professional, spiritual seeker, or concerned citizen, you will discover how ancient wisdom can offer fresh perspectives on the ethical challenges that define our modern medical landscape.