Illustrating the contribution of Confucian philosophy through a reinterpretation of Beauchamp and Childress’ principle of respect for autonomy

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Abstract
This article illustrates the contribution of Chinese philosophy to the field of medical humanities by focussing on the ideas and conduct of Confucius. Drawing on a Chinese philosophical classic, the Analects (Lunyu), this study proposes a Confucian reinterpretation of Beauchamp and Childress’ principle of respect for autonomy in medical ethics. The paper begins by critiquing Beauchamp and Childress’ three conditions of autonomous action, namely intentionality, understanding, and the absence of controlling influences that determine one’s action. It is contended that the three conditions over-emphasise rationality and overlook the role of emotions and morality in autonomy. The second part of the article proposes a Confucian reformulation of the three conditions that is derived from the concepts of xin (heart-mind) and li (normative behaviour). The modified conditions are moral intentionality, the integration of understanding and emotions, and the absence of controlling influences that determine one’s action and underlying values, beliefs, attitudes, feelings and predispositions. From a Confucian perspective, Beauchamp and Childress’ positive obligation for the principle of respect for autonomy requires medical professionals to render empathetic treatment towards patients. By challenging and reconstructing major theories and assumptions in medical ethics, this paper demonstrates the saliency of non-Western philosophical traditions in medical humanities.

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