End of Life Perspectives in the Enlightenment Era: A Comparative Approach

This paper aims to link and compare two different conceptions of death during the Enlightenment era with contemporary bioethical concerns. Eugenios Voulgaris integrates his understanding of death into the wider philosophical and theological framework of Orthodoxy. He emphasizes a dignified acceptance of death without hastening it, viewing any attempt to artificially prolong life as a form of hubris against divine providence. Conversely, Kant’s rationalist perspective categorically rejects euthanasia and suicide, viewing them as violations of the categorical imperative. Kant upholds the preservation of life as a perfect duty, emphasizing autonomy and dignity. This comparative analysis highlights the ethical and philosophical divergence between Voulgaris’ theologically influenced acceptance of death and Kant’s strict moral framework opposing the intentional ending of life. The study underscores the relevance of these Enlightenment perspectives in informing contemporary debates on euthanasia and the moral dimensions of end-of-life decisions.