Volume II,Issue IV, March 2026
Volume-II, Issue-IV, March, 2026 |
Received: 25.03.2026 | Accepted: 27.03.2026 | ||
Published Online: 31.03.2026 | Page No: | ||
DOI: 10.69655/atmadeep.vol.2.issue.04W. | |||
মাহাত্মা গান্ধীর দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি
থেকে কৃপা হত্যা
কিয়া মুর্মু, গবেষক, দর্শন বিভাগ, বর্ধমান বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়,পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ভারত |
From the Perspective of Mahatma Gandhi on Mercy Killing Kiya Murmu, Research Scholar, Department Of Philosophy, The University Of Burdwan, West Bengal, India | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
This paper presents an analytical account of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophical and ethical perspective on one of the most debated issues in practical ethics—euthanasia. The discussion originates from the historical controversy in India surrounding Gandhi’s decision in 1928, at his ashram, to end the suffering of a terminally ill calf through a painless death. The study resolves the apparent contradiction between Gandhi’s doctrine of ahimsa (non-violence) and euthanasia by arguing that the taking of life, when motivated by pure intention and selfless compassion, may be regarded as a meaningful and even the highest expression of non-violence. The paper further examines the specific conditions outlined by Gandhi for the justification of euthanasia, emphasizing incurable illness and the inability of the patient to express consent. In addition, a comparative framework is developed between Gandhi’s views and the concept of non-voluntary euthanasia as articulated by Peter Singer. The relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy of seva (care) is also evaluated in the context of modern palliative care. The study concludes that Gandhi accepted euthanasia only as an extreme and final option—applicable solely when no other possibilities of care or service remain. | ||
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