African vital force and the permissibility of euthanasia.

ABSTRACT

One argument for the permissibility of euthanasia found in the African philosophical tradition suggests that the sole goal of life is to develop one's vital force, which is done by relating harmoniously with one's community. However, this is impossible for people with certain medical conditions. If the goals of life cannot be achieved, then euthanasia is permissible. I challenge this argument by showing that it overlooks the fact that severely ill patients can still be the objects of communal relationships, in addition to a way for caregivers to strengthen their own vital force. I also suggest that usual readings of vital force imply that life itself is to be preserved at all costs and that this acts as a kind of deontological constraint.