THE ETHICAL BASIS FOR THINKING ABOUT COMBATING THE СOVID-19 PANDEMIC: ALBERT SCHWEITZER’S «REVERENCE FOR LIFE»
S. S. Gorbunov1, N. P. Pugacheva2
Penza State Agrarian University, Penza, Russia
1 e-mail: svy-gorbunov@yandex.ru
2 e-mail: kozlova_natalya@list.ru
Abstract. The article discusses various vectors of understanding the ethical idea of «reverence for life», proposed by the doctor, humanist, Nobel laureate Albert Schweitzer more than a hundred years ago, in the context of the current crisis situation associated with the spread of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which determines the relevance the topic under consideration. The novelty of the work lies in the proof of the relevance of one of the most significant concepts in the history of ethics to the modern moral conditions of the existence of mankind. The intention of the study is to emphasize the need for not only socio-economic, professional (medical), but also a deep ethical and philosophical understanding of the current situation caused by the pandemic. The article uses a historical and proper ethical approach, as well as a hypothetical-axiological method in the aspect of proving the value of one form of life over others. The main provisions of the ethical concept of Schweitzer are analyzed, and an attempt is made to give a reasoned response to its fair criticism due to the presence of an internal contradiction in the principle of reverence associated with the bifurcation of the will to live, when one life must inevitably suppress the other in order to preserve itself. Main results: the authors come to the conclusion that the moral imperative (according to which: ethics is an unlimited responsibility for everything that lives), proposed by Schweitzer, is one of the possible (and effective) imperatives that encourage society to moral reflection and more active activity to deal with the pandemic situation already in the post-Schweitzer era. During the period of missionary and professional practice in Gabon, Dr. Schweitzer himself comprehended his concept, commensurating it with the development of human civilization in the future. Directions for further research: a deep and comprehensive analysis of the moral imperatives proposed by ethical and philosophical thought in the 20th century is planned in terms of their effectiveness and relevance in the new conditions of human existence. The critically thoughtful idea of reverence for life may be one such imperative in contemporary ethics, including environmental and biomedical ethics.
Key words: Albert Schweitzer, reverence for life, ethics, virus, pandemic, COVID-19, imperative, society.
Acknowledgements to A. V. Vodovozov for his advisory support and his help in preparing the material for parts of this article.
Cite as: Gorbunov, S. S., Pugacheva, N. P. (2022) [The Ethical Basis for Thinking about Combating the СOVID-19 Pandemic: Albert Schweitzer’s «Reverence for Life»]. Intellekt. Innovatsii. Investitsii [Intellect. Innovations. Investments]. Vol. 3, pp. 92–97, https://doi.org/10.25198/2077-7175-2022-3-92.
