The Principle of Respect for Individual Autonomy and Quranic Anthropology

The principle of respect for individual autonomy is one of the most challenging issues in contemporary biomedical ethics. Given the conflict of this principle with the principles of Islamic ethics, this study aims to analyze the principle and its adaptation to Qur'anic anthropology.

In this analytical research, the concepts, theories and philosophical foundations of the principle of respect for individual autonomy are analyzed in three levels and then, its conformity with Qur'anic anthropology will be investigated.

The philosophical basis of the principle of respect for individual autonomy is human freedom to establish moral rules and non-compliance with upstream laws. At first glance, it conflicts with Islamic principles that regard God as the legislator of ethical principles and moral rules, but based on the Quranic concepts, there is no conflict between this principle and the Qur'anic view, in general. Because, according to the Qur'an, God has blessed his soul with man and taught him all of God's names. The basis of man's inclination to God is the divine nature which is the foundation of all human beings and religion is also based on it. Therefore, as in Kant's philosophy, following the principles of practical reason does not mean as obeying upstream laws, out of human existence, obedience to God and religion's commandments do not so.

The results show that the philosophical basis of the principle of respect for individual autonomy is the free will of man and does not conflict with his religious nature.