Conceptualising the Value of Life in Bioethical Discourse: Sanctity vs Quality of Life

Oleksandr Horban

Department of Philosophy, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University

Ruslana Martych

Department of Philosophy, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University


Abstract

The article deals with the problem of the value of life in the context of its understanding in bioethical discourse. Two different approaches are used to discuss the topic. The first approach demonstrates a set of imperatives of human behaviour associated with the dominance of the religious component defining the value of life. It
is called the concept of the “sanctity of life” and considers human life as a sacred act of divine influence on the existence of the living. The second approach systematises bioethical views that promote the supreme value of freedom and autonomy in making decisions by each individual, including those related to their life and health. It is called the concept of “quality of life” and represents a set of ideas that suggest to
consciously influence the state of life of the individual if it is possible to improve it or if its further existence loses its rational meaning. Being in opposition to each other, these two main conceptual approaches create a problematic situation that stimulates scientific interdisciplinary research within the framework of bioethical discourse, forming its conceptual and categorical apparatus and expanding the worldview of the
researcher and the reflective individual.


Keywords:

life, value, bioethics, discourse, sanctity of life, quality of life


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Published
2023-12-21

Cited by

Horban, O., & Martych, R. (2023). Conceptualising the Value of Life in Bioethical Discourse: Sanctity vs Quality of Life. Studia Warmińskie, 60, 61–70. https://doi.org/10.31648/sw.9563

Oleksandr Horban 
Department of Philosophy, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University
Ruslana Martych 
Department of Philosophy, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University