Catholic and Islamic perspectives on pain medication in meeting challenges of mercy argument for active euthanasia

Mohammad Manzoor, Malik (2012) Catholic and Islamic perspectives on pain medication in meeting challenges of mercy argument for active euthanasia. In: Technology, Science, Social Sciences and Humanity International Conference 2012 (TeSSHI 2012) , 14-15th Nov 2012 , Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Pain medication is one of the popular responses to the mercy argument which utilitarian ethicists very often use for justifying permissibility of active euthanasia on the grounds of prevention of cruelty and appeal to beneficence. The researcher reinforces the significance of the pain medication and argues that it is the most preferred response among various other responses because of its realistic nature and effectiveness. In exploring the mechanism and considerations related to pain medication, the two religious positions are explored: the Catholic ethical position as an application of the doctrine of double effect and an important part of Western bioethics and Islamic perspective on pain medication, showing the lines of commonality between these traditions and a space for dialogue between them on the issue. The researcher particularly deliberates on the contemporary Islamic discourse on the issue in line with the relevant legal maxims and general guidance from the primary sources of Islamic law and ethics. The resolution on the issue is sought by synthesizing the views and legal maxims (‘al-qawÉ‘id al-fiqhiyyah) on the issue which in conclusion provide justification for conditional pain medication by considering pain a necessity and a pressing need. However, such resolution allows pain medication to the limit and proportion which removes the pain and, at the same time, prohibits overdosing the patient with medication that may directly cause the death.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Full Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mercy argument, euthanasia, pain medication, doctrine of double effect, Islamic bioethics
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1188 Religious ethics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of General Studies
Depositing User:	Dr. Mohamamd Manzoor Malik
Date Deposited:	01 Jan 2013 08:16
Last Modified:	01 Jan 2013 08:16
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/26572

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