Contemporary Western bioethics, informed by liberalism and utilitarianism, has developed alongside a proactive, interventionist model of medicine marked by the assumption that every illness has a cure and that pain is unnecessary. In contrast, medical practice in much of Asia reflects different philosophical roots. One of these, Daoism, embraces a very different attitude towards medical intervention. Within Daoist philosophy, the unique understanding of naturalness or spontaneity (ziran, 自然) helps illuminate some anti-interventionist trends within medical practice in parts of Asia historically influenced by this tradition. We illustrate this through the relatively low uptake of epidural use among expectant mothers in Japan.
Although Daoism originated in China, Daoist concepts influenced the formation of Zen Buddhism through the historical transmission of Chinese philosophy and medicine, particularly during the Tang and Song periods. Although often subtle, this influence has shaped modern cultural attitudes discussed below.
Philosophical Daoism is usually discussed in relation to…