Abstract
Among recent discussions on euthanasia and death with dignity, there are two contrasting views. One emphasizes the importance of patient's self-determination, and the other the importance of compassion for dependent patients. It is commonly regarded as the difference between the independent character of the American culture and the dependent character of the Japanese culture. The conflict has created confusion among medical staffs since the introduction of American bioethics to Japan. This paper discusses the question of whether and how these two ways of thinking can be coordinated. Views of medical moral philosophers and reports of representative commissions in Germany are noteworthy. In recent years, German researchers do not stress patient's autonomy one-sidedly, but try to coordinate it with patient's dependence on family members and medical staff. Secondly, patient's attitude toward alternative medicine should be addressed. A patient shows a trend toward positive participation in medical treatment through his or her own behavior. Through this study, the author would like to suggest possibilities of combining the idea of self-determination with that of compassion.
